Inmate Dies In Banning Jail Cell While Awaiting Trial In Killing

BANNING, CA — A 31-year-old inmate at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning died in his cell, but there was no indication of foul play, authorities said Monday.

Tavae Stalks Walker of Fontana was discovered unconscious in his cell Sunday morning, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Deputy Ken Thurm said correctional deputies and medical personnel reached the housing unit within minutes and attempted life-saving measures until fire department paramedics arrived and tried to resuscitate Walker, without success.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"There are no signs of foul play, and the investigation is ongoing," Thurm said.
Walker, a convicted felon, was arrested and charged in May 2022 for the slaying of 39-year-old Byron Graves of Jurupa Valley.

According to sheriff's officials, on the night of May 7, 2022, the defendant was involved in a dispute with the victim in the area of Harrel and Parkhurst streets in Jurupa Valley. Investigators alleged that during the encounter, Walker assaulted Graves for an unspecified period of time, causing mortal injuries, which weren't described in court documents.

The nature of the conflict between the men wasn't disclose

Walker was awaiting trial.

A rash of deaths have occurred within the county jail system over the past several years, most of them attributable to suicide and fentanyl use, according to a lawsuit recently filed against the sheriff's department.

An autopsy on Walker was pending Monday.