A confrontation between two inmates at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility (SOCF) turned tragic, resulting in the death of one of the prisoners. Ruben Melendez of Arizona, who is 65 years old, fought with Austin Burke of Trumbull County, Ohio, who is 25 years old. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reported that the incident escalated to a point where it required intervention.
After the altercation was stopped, Melendez was transported to a local hospital. However, despite efforts to save him, he was tragically pronounced dead at the hospital. The OSHP has identified trauma to the head as the suspected cause of his death.
According to investigators, this incident is now being viewed as a homicide. Austin Burke is considered the primary suspect in Melendez’s death. OSHP officials have confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy will be conducted. Once the autopsy results are available, a Scioto County grand jury will hear the case.
Both Melendez and Burke had been incarcerated for separate aggravated murder cases. Austin Burke, whose initial conviction stemmed from the 2017 death of Brandon Sample in Bristolville, was serving a life prison sentence. He was also found to be in possession of a shank within his jail cell while awaiting trial for the murder case.
An exclusive letter to SCDN sheds light on Melendez’s history. It revealed that he had been moved to SOCF from Arizona against his will. He was still recognized as a ward of the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) during his time in Ohio. The letter disclosed that Melendez, affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, was classified as a security threat group (STG). However, an examination of his disciplinary records raised questions about the accuracy of this classification, with his last significant infraction dating back to 1999.
Update
We recently found out that the suspect was reportedly a Tai Kwon Do expert. It’s reported to SCDN the two were “drinking buddies” and had an argument.
Our exclusive source says that “it’s common prison knowledge that the Ayran Brotherhood and these Cincinnati White Boyz (Austin) Don’t get along. They r prison rivals. And coincidentally, the A.B and the Mexican Mafia have a close relationship. Some say alliance. With a well known and respected M.M close at hand. Was it possible they saw an opportunity and hit the old man…”
The autopsy will reveal whether alcohol was in his system and the severity of his injuries.
This incident raises important questions about inmate safety, classification, and how this confrontation occurred.