1980 — Feb 2-3, New Mexico State Penitentiary Uprising/Inmate Killings, Santa Fe NM–33

lornajarrettblanchard February 2, 1980

–>33 Anderson, David C. “Rampage in the Cellblocks” (book review), NYT, 2-26-1984.
— 33 Colvin. The Penitentiary in Crisis: From Accommodation to Riot in [NM]. 1992, p. 2.
— 33 KOAT. “Inmate recalls…1980 New Mexico Prison riot. 33 inmates killed…” 5-15-2014.
— 33 Stamatov (NM Office of State Historian). “Riot at the Penitentiary of New Mexico-1980.”
— 33 Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “1980 in Review.” 12-26-1980, p. 20.
— 33 Wikipedia. “New Mexico State Penitentiary riot.” 7-1-2012 mod. And 6-11-2017 edit.

Narrative Information

Anderson: “It was possibly the deadliest and clearly the goriest collapse of order in the history of American prisons. Over 30 hours of a February weekend in 1980 at the New Mexico State Penitentiary at Santa Fe, prisoners crushed other prisoners’ skulls with lengths of heavy pipe or hacked them to death with knives. With acetylene torches they tortured the living and mutilated the dead. The strong banded together and roamed through the cellblocks, pillaging, raping and murdering the weak like an occupying army.

“Despite (or perhaps because of) its gruesomeness, the story survived on the front pages of the nation’s newspapers for no more than a day or two, and it might be remembered now only in the nightmares of the survivors had not Roger Morris undertaken this riveting, upsetting and ultimately enraging investigation.

“Mr. Morris reconstructs the riot itself in rawest detail, from the moment a group of inmates jumped a guard on early morning patrol to the release of the last hostage a day and a half later. At that point a reporter asked the hostage: ”’What’s it like in there?’ The guard starts to answer, cannot speak, and breaks into tears.”

“The author has a sharp eye for the grotesque: ”Execution is by ax and rope, electric drill, and torch and sander. Witnesses describe one rioter walking through the carnage wantonly hitting victims with a large heavy paddle stirrer from the kitchen.”

“An inmate ”walks about wrapped in an American flag he has found in the corridor, as if to ward off attack.” ”One resident will remember taking pictures of the killing with a Polaroid camera…. He and his friend stood there amid the wild savagery snapping photos of each other, eagerly watching them slide from the camera and slowly take form, occasionally focusing on a murder in a nearby cell.”

“The political context was nearly as ugly as the uprising itself. For years the penitentiary had muddled along under corrupt or incompetent administrators, good at intimidating critics and currying the protective favor of politicians. As the pen became more crowded, its inmates more violent, its guards demoralized, the riot was inevitable. The authorities had plenty of warnings but mostly chose to ignore them.

“The awesome violence hardly cauterized the corruption. As prison officials re-entered the ravaged, corpse-littered penitentiary, they looted $7,500 worth of property from a hobby shop still intact. State police made off with radios, tools and other items. No one thought to collect and preserve evidence from the scenes of butchery, thereby hampering effective prosecution of the murderers. In the chaos afterward, officials even lost count of the dead; the official number was 33, 10 fewer than at the Attica riot of 1971, but dozens of other inmates remained missing.

“In subsequent months, the penitentiary returned to business as usual, with administrators of questionable competence, poorly trained guards and further outbreaks of violence.

“What lessons arise from such a horror story? One clearly. Denying prisoners simple, minimal decencies in the name of economy or a law-and-order ideology risks a loss of control that shames society. It is a profound moral issue from which we dare not avert our eyes.

“Beyond that lies a larger question. Foul prisons, administrative corruption and criminal rage are a potent mix, but do they alone explain such extremes of cruelty as those that occurred at the New Mexico State Penitentiary in 1980? In the wake of the riot some experts groped for answers – drugs, hysteria, traditional hatred of informers. If there is a gap in Mr. Morris’s account it is here, for he makes no attempt to address this ultimate question. But perhaps that was wise of him, for no real answer seems to be possible.” (Anderson, David C. (NYT Editorial Board). “Rampage in the Cellblocks” (review of The Devil’s Butcher Shop: The New Mexico Prison Uprising by Roger Morris), NYT, 2-26-1984.)

Stamatov: “In the early morning hours on Saturday, 2 February 1980, inmates at the Penitentiary of New Mexico near Santa Fe overwhelmed four correctional officers during a routine inspection in one of the dormitories. These inmates immediately took the officers hostage and then ran to another dormitory where they attacked four more guards. Thus began a thirty-six-hour riot during which the rioting inmates held twelve officers hostage, thirty-three inmates lost their lives, and at least ninety inmates suffered serious injuries including beatings, stabbings, rapes and overdoses. Throughout the weekend, prison and state officials communicated with the inmates trying to work for the release of the hostages and the surrender of the inmates. By 1:30 p.m., Sunday, most inmates had surrendered and the police and National guardsmen retook the penitentiary without resistance. Security breeches, lack of training for guards, prisoners’ anger and frustration, and disregard of warning signs all led to the outbreak and contributed to the brutal violence.

“Logistical factors created a difficult-to-control condition for guards. The prisoners who began the riot were normally housed in Cellblock 5. This cellblock was a maximum security unit that housed inmates classified as high security risks, violent, escape-prone, or difficult. Before the riot the cellblock was under renovation, so prison officials had moved the inmates to Dormitory E-2, a medium-security unit in the South Wing of the penitentiary. In the dormitories, bunk beds lined the walls. The layout of the bunks, of which thirty were unoccupied, provided hiding places for the inmates. Moreover, when the four guards went to inspect the sixty-two inmates of Dormitory E-2 on 2 February, the lights in the dorm were out and the nightlights were not working. Although the guards had requested that the problem be fixed, on the night of the riot the nightlights were out.

“During the riot, inmates easily gained access to the Control Center. In the Control Center, the central security area inside the prison, guards electronically operated five grill gates and kept keys to every area of the institution. Before the riot, officials had installed bullet-proof glass, which provided the guards with more visibility. Officers felt, however, that they were vulnerable and that the glass was breakable. They expressed concerns to the warden who had asked that a section of the glass be tested. By 2 February, the test had not been done. Moreover, officers had been unable to shut the grill gates electronically due to an incomplete renovation. Although the grills could be closed manually, the procedure was cumbersome. Ideally, the grill gates denied inmates access from one wing to the whole institution.

“Of the guards working on 2 February, 60 percent of them had worked for the penitentiary for less than three years. Low pay and the high stress caused high turnover rates among the guards. Officer Ronnie Martinez who was on duty that night was responsible for the care, custody and control of 233 inmates in three separate dormitories, B-1, B-2, and E-2. His starting salary was $765 per month, and he had been working at the prison for only four months. Unlike 71 percent of the correctional staff, Officer Martinez had obtained formal classroom training. The lack of experience was compounded by the fact that officers did not receive updated, relevant post orders explaining the security equipment operation and security procedures. Guards, for example, were supposed to lock the grill gates at night, but the administration had not added this procedure to the post orders. Although a “Riot Control Plan” existed, the administration had not delivered it to all the correctional staff. In general, the officers felt ill-at-ease about the security at the penitentiary, and on the night of 2 February 1980 while twenty-five officers watched over 1157 inmates, they were justifiably worried.

“Prisoners also felt unsafe. One inmate wrote to Governor Bruce King explaining some of the ordeals he had suffered in prison. On 19 November 1978, as he returned to Dormitory E-2, another prisoner stabbed him four times. As a result, the prisoner lost his left kidney. Prison officials removed him from the general population, but at the time he wrote to the governor in March of 1979, they wanted to release him from protective custody. He felt that his life was in jeopardy. He also complained how guards jeered at him. He pleaded for the governor to aid him in obtaining an out-of-state transfer: “What else can I do sir? I don’t give anyone trouble. I am so scared that something will happen to me here.” In another letter, dated 13 December 1979, a mother wrote the governor of her son’s situation: “Our son was sent to the Pen last feburary [sic]. they put him in population and a few days afterwards he was attacked by 7 inmates and nothing was done about it. they moved him out of the dormitory and they put him in Cell Block #4 on protection….But even though my son is in protection, my sons life is still in danger there cause some inmates are still threatening him…..there is an inmate there that calls him a rat and a lot of names.” The sobriquet, rat, referred to an inmate who was providing information to guards. Ideally, officers were supposed to conceal the identity of the informer (also known as the snitch), but inmates complained that some guards failed to do so. The anger aroused by this snitch system among the inmate population proved deadly.

“In addition to feeling unsafe, prisoners also grew bored in the overcrowded penitentiary. State officials did not give a high priority to rehabilitation. Prior to the riot, inmates found out that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation program (D.V.R.) was to be terminated due to a lack of funding. Prisoners wrote to Governor Bruce King pleading that the program not be cut. One prisoner wrote: “If the program (D.V.R.) is terminated that will mean at least sixty more inmates will be put on idle status, and add to already existing tension, and overcrowding of units during day time hours.” Two-thirds of the prisoners participated in educational programs, but these programs only engaged the inmates for a couple of hours a day. The remaining third of the men stayed idle all day.

“Finally, a prison psychologist, Dr. Marc Orner, heard that inmates were planning to take hostages and that they were hiding ammunition and homemade firearms in Dormitory E-2. He informed Superintendent of Correctional Security Manuel Koroneos on 11 January 1980. Koroneos ordered a shakedown inspection, but the guards found nothing. Other officers also heard rumors about a takeover. During the week prior to the takeover, a number of inmates requested to be transferred out of Dormitory E-2. One man reported that, “E-2 is getting hot.” Even though Orner had mentioned specific inmates who were involved in the takeover scheme, prison officials did not transfer these men out of E-2.

“On the night of the riot, after the early evening count at about 8:30 p.m., inmates in Dormitory E-2 began drinking a “home brew” that they had made from yeast and raisins, items they had smuggled from the kitchen. After drinking for a couple of hours, they became drunk and angry and decided to attack the guards when they came for the early morning inspection. When the four officers arrived for the inspection, the inmates quickly overpowered them. One officer who had remained at the door struggled to close the door, but was unable to do so. The prisoners then took the four guards to the dayroom where they stripped, bound, and blindfolded them.

“One inmate, dressed in a guard’s uniform, led the other inmates down the stairs between E-2 and E-1. They ran, unchallenged, to another dormitory, F-2, where they attacked four other officers. One officer offered resistance, but the inmates stabbed and beat him, successfully subduing him. Meanwhile other inmates had taken the guards’ keys and unlocked the doors to other dormitories. Within minutes more than 500 inmates had free access to the corridor.

“Not all inmates wanted to participate in the riot, immediately recognizing that a riot could be dangerous. Prisoners in Dormitory E-1 heard the riot begin above them in Dormitory E-2. They quickly barricaded themselves in their unit with their bunks and mattresses. Although rioters tried to cajole them into opening the door, the inmates refused to open. Rioters then unsuccessfully attempted to gain access by igniting the mattresses and throwing in tear gas. Using a three-foot wrench, the inmates of E-1 forced open a window and escaped around dawn.

“More than seventy-five inmates continued on to the Control Center and demanded entry from the two guards within. Refusing, the guards stood and watched as the inmates took a fire extinguisher and began to smash it against the glass. On the third attempt, the glass cracked, and the two guards quickly escaped, failing to secure any keys on the keyboard. Believing themselves safe, the guards did not try to use the tear gas canisters located in the Control Center.

“Once the rioters had gained control of the Control Center, they had access to the whole institution. Some inmates broke into the pharmacy and took a variety of drugs, mostly barbiturates, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and sedatives. Others entered the paint shop and shoe repair shop where they found paint, paint thinner and glue which they inhaled. Known as “sniff,” these inhalants can induce violent behavior. By the end of the riot, many of the inmates suffered drug-overdoses.

“With the keys obtained in the Control Center, inmates entered the plumbing shop where they found a heavy-duty acetylene cutting torch. They also found two more torches in Cellblock 5 where renovations were underway. With these tools in hand, the rioters made their way over to Cellblock 4. This cellblock housed a number of inmates, protected from the general population because they were snitches or believed to be snitches. For several hours, the rioters could not gain access to the cellblock, and the inmates of Cellblock 4 sent SOS messages to the police outside the prison. Officials later said that they thought that the rioters held the entire institution and did not see the messages from the desperate inmates. Finally, just after dawn, the rioters cut through the grill at Cellblock 4, yelling “kill the snitches.” These violent rioters, later known as “execution squads,” shouted out the names of their intended victims. Some of these men locked themselves in their cells, but the execution squads were able to burn through the bars with the torches. Some executioners, unable to wait, threw flammable liquids into the cells onto their victims and then ignited them. Once they did open the cells, they dragged out the men, stabbing, torturing, bludgeoning, burning, hanging them, and chopping them apart. Some executioners threw their victims from the upstairs tiers to the basement floor, where officials later found many bodies.

“Guards notified prison officials almost immediately about the burgeoning riot. Deputy Warden Robert Montoya and Superintendent of Correctional Security, Manuel Koroneos, arrived first. The officials quickly informed the State police of the situation, and State police units arrived around 2:15 a.m. and secured the perimeter of the institution. When Governor King found out about the riot, he mobilized the National Guard. The first contingent arrived at 7:30 a.m.

“Negotiations with the prisoners soon began. Robert Montoya, who had recently attended a law enforcement course in crisis intervention, acted as the chief negotiator. Inmates with walkie-talkies threatened to kill the hostages if the police stormed the prison. They also demanded to be allowed to speak with Governor King, Warden Griffin, Deputy Secretary Rodriguez, and members of the news media. Prison officials took the threats of the inmates seriously and decided not to storm the prison. Even when they learned of the killing of inmates and the torture of some guards, they decided to stick with the original plan and not try to retake the prison. The negotiators did meet some of the inmates’ demands. They placed a field telephone near one of the entrances, and an inmate who acted as a chief negotiator spoke with Governor King. A member of the news media, cameraman Michael Shugrue, entered the prison and interviewed a number of prisoners. Finally, thirty-four hours after the takeover, inmates participated in a televised news conference. For their part, the inmates let badly injured guards leave the prison.

“For thirty-six hours, prison officials negotiated for the release of the hostages and the surrender of the rioters. By 1:30 p.m., Sunday, 3 February 1980, the riot had, for the most part, ended. After the inmates of Dormitory E-1 had escaped, a steady trickle of men followed, and by the end of the riot most inmates stood outside the penitentiary. Finally, the police and National guardsmen retook the penitentiary without resistance. So ended one of the most violent prison riots in New Mexico history.” (Stamatov (NM Office of State Historian). “Riot at the Penitentiary of New Mexico-1980.”)

Newspapers

Feb 2: “New Mexico State Penitentiary inmates who seized the prison and took at least 12 guards hostage in a riot early today demanded the resignation of the deputy warden and negotiations on other issues, authorities said.

“Some 240 policemen and National Guardsmen were called in to surround the maximum security prison, which houses 1,136 prisoners, including eight women. The first national guard contingent of 50 men arrived about 8 a.m. MST.

“At least one hostage was released. Tense negotiations between the rioting inmates and prison officials were under way by 10 a.m. today. Gov. Bruce King, in conversations with two of the inmates, said prisoners had claimed “12 heads would roll” if the negotiations broke down. King also said about 100 of the inmates had apparently separated themselves from the rest of the prisoners.

“Officials at a command post set up at the district State Police head quarters five miles from the prison speculated the separated prisoners did not want to take part in the riot. They said the separated prisoners were huddled near the prison’s baseball field on the west side of the prison. The ball field is surrounded by a fence and officials said State Police had the inmates under guard.

“Command post authorities also said the inmates had requested 10 gas masks and two stretchers. It was not clear why they wanted the masks and stretchers.

“Command post officials said at midday today they had heard unconfirmed reports that at least one inmate had died from an overdose of drugs following a break-in into the prison’s infirmary. They said other inmates might also have died from drug overdoses, but stressed the reports were unconfirmed….

“Inmates told Deputy Warden Robert Montoya they had four hostages in cellblock 3. They said all four were injured, but not seriously. The inmates identified three of the hostages as David Ortega, Ramon Gutierrez and Larry Montoya. Santa Fe Police Chief Jesus Sosa said 11-15 guards were being held hostage.

“John Ramming, a spokesman for the Corrections Department, said two guards were injured in the takeover, including one who was taken from the prison by ambulance. “The prisoners are allowing those who were injured to leave,” he said.

“Warden Jerry Griffin said the prisoners started setting some fires inside, apparently burning mattresses. “They’re hurting themselves because they’re making it difficult to breathe,” he said.

“State Police Chief Martin Vigil said an inmate also had been injured. “I understand that he had been hit over the head with a cleaver and stabbed numerous times,” he said….” (New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “Inmates take over prison.” 2-2-1980, 1.)

Feb 3: “This is the chronology of the seizure of the New Mexico State Penitentiary today:

“2:00 a.m. – Somewhere around this time inmates overpower unarmed guards, break glass surrounding prison control room and seize control of the internal locks, utilities and communications at penitentiary.

“2:15 a.m.- The governor is notified by security men that the lights are off at the penitentiary and
there is no response from corrections officials inside.

“2:25 a.m. – After waiting 10 minutes, still getting no response, Gov. Bruce King calls Santa Fe
Police and asks for a SWAT team to stand by, plus additional officers.

“2:30 a.m. – King calls State Police Chief Martin Vigil, and Santa Fe County Sheriff Eddie Escudero for manpower.

“2:30 a.m. – King calls New Mexico National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Frank Miles to ask for guardsmen to be sent to the penitentiary to provide outside security.

“3:00 a.m. – City and State Police arrive on the scene, set up road blocks and secure perimeter. Fire department units arrive. Ambulance arrive.

“4:00 a.m. – New shift of penitentiary guards arrive, but are detained at the security fence.

“5:00 a.m. – Governor is advised by State Police that one of the inmates’ conditions is that they want to meet with him.

“6:00 a.m. – Prison Warden Jerry Griffin holds press conference at prison gate. Announces inmates have total control of prison and had been setting fire to mattresses in some of the dormitories.

“6:45 a.m. – Miles arrives at penitentiary. Conferred with State and City Police on strategy.

“7:30 a.m. – First contingent of National Guard troops arrive and are deployed around penitentiary perimeter.

“7:30 a.m. – Ambulance pulls away from penitentiary carrying an undetermined number of injured inmates. Police unit also leaves prison with one injured inmate.

“8:20 a.m. – More than 80 inmates announce they want no part of the occupation and voluntarily isolate themselves on the penitentiary’s baseball field where they can be watched by guards.

“8:30 a.m. – King leaves governor’s residence for the State Police district headquarters and command center.

“10:00 a.m. – Inmates ask for a press conference with local news media to discuss grievances.

“10:25 a.m. – Penitentiary officials conduct second press conference. Warden Jerry Griffin said inmates set fire to the psychological clinic area and some records likely were destroyed. He said inmates gained control of the prison’s riot control equipment.

“Noon – King conducts press conference at front gate of penitentiary. He says that at least eight inmates are leading the takeover. He says he has been told by inmates that some prisoners have been killed, but that guards are safe.

“Throughout the day ambulances come and leave the penitentiary taking injured guards and inmates to St. Vincent Hospital. Officials say the victims average two an hour.

“Also throughout the day fires burn intermittently. Officials say the educational center and chapel, besides the psychological clinic, have been burned.

“4:15 p.m. – Warden Jerry Griffin conducts third press conference. He reports at least 300 inmates have made their way safely to the recreation yard. He says negotiators are reviewing 11 points with inmates, but refuses to say what the points are. He says inmates have assured negotiators hostages are in “relatively” good condition.

“5:00 p.m. – Officials contact inmates and tell them not to be alarmed by the helicopters in the recreation yard. They are dropping tents, blankets and jackets to inmates in the yard so they will not “freeze to death” during the night.

“5:40 p.m. – An inmate identifying himself as “Chopper One” is heard over the walkie talkie saying he is fed up with negotiations. He demands to talk to more newsmen.

“At about the same time three legislators. State Sens. Tom Rutherford, D-Bernalillo, and Manny Aragon, D-Bernalillo. Rep. Brad Cates, R-Bernalillo, and Lt. Gov. Roberto Mondragon make arrangements to visit the prison and meet inmates.

“6:15 p.m. – A television newsman and a still photographer are admitted to the penitentiary guard house. During the day the closest anyone has been to the inmates is halfway between the guard house and the main penitentiary building.

“7:00 p.m.- Rep. Cates meets press at the penitentiary gate. He says that he has seen at least three
covered bodies brought out from the main building to the guard house by masked inmates. One person is brought out of the penitentiary on a stretcher. He is not covered, but Cates says he believes the person is dead.

“9 p.m. – King goes to bed.

“9 p.m. – St. Vincent Hospital reports that Corrections Lt. Joe Anaya, who had been unaccounted
for and was feared seriously injured, was admitted with a leg injury, but in good condition.” (New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “Chronology of takeover events.” 2-3-1980, 2.)

Feb 4: “The number of reported inmate deaths at the Penitentiary of New Mexico rose to 32 late Sunday as officials continued to search smoldering cellblocks in the wake of a brutal, 34-hour riot.

“State control of the prison was regained without gunfire at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday after inmates
released the last of 15 correctional officers they had held hostage.

“Within a half-hour of the release of the last two hostages, a force of about 300 New Mexico National Guard troops and police tactical forces streamed through the prison’s fences.

“There were reports from prison officials that there were other mutilations by inmates.

“State officials who negotiated with inmates over release of hostages during the takeover said a decapitated body had been placed near the penitentiary’s front gate.

“When militants were in custody, they taunted inmates who earlier had surrendered. “You see that dead thing without a head?” one shouted. “That was one of your confidential informants.”

“Corrections Commission Chairman Bud Richards said the rebellious prisoners broke into confidential records in the administration building and found the names of prison informers.

“State Police Maj. Charlie Anaya said the brutality was the inmates’ way of “getting all the snitches.”….” (New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “32 dead in wake of pen riot.” 2-4-1980, A1.)

Feb 4: “By The Associated Press

“Fear has given way to anger among relatives of state prison inmates who claim the treatment of
prisoners and their families by corrections officials is inhumane.

“As dusk fell on the smoldering New Mexico State Penitentiary Sunday, dozens of people lingered outside the prison gates, hoping for word about their sons and brothers. “Deep down inside I’d rather know if he was dead or if he was well, instead of sitting here not knowing anything,” said Trine Garcia whose brother Henry Ramirez is a prisoner.

“State Police Major Charley Anaya said Sunday night that officials had raised the death toll to 32. A state legislator said the total could rise to as high as 40.

“And Rep. Fred Mondragon, D-Bernalillo, who toured the prison, told reporters many of the dead had been beaten beyond recognition….

“Gov. Bruce King told family members he was working on getting complete lists of inmates to them. But he said he did not know how long it might be. “I want to express my deepest sympathies to all the families involved,” he said. “I want to thank them for being so cooperative.”
The inmates’ relatives responded by shouting insults at the governor They also said they are losing patience with prison officials who they say have refused to give them “straight answers.” “They said they’d let us into to see them in an hour. Now they say tomorrow afternoon. What kind of game are they playing,” said Mary Montano, whose stepfather is incarcerated. Ms. Montano directed some of her anger at King, who she said has not kept his word to the families. “If he’s going to say something, why doesn’t he live up to it. This isn’t politics. This is life. It’s inhumane,” she said….” (New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “Angry relatives say treatment of prison inmates ‘inhuman’.” 2-4-1980, A2.)

Dec 26, Pharos Tribune: “1980….Feb 2: Thirty-three inmates were killed at the New Mexico state penitentiary in one of the worst prison uprisings in U.S. history. No prison employees died during the 36 hours of murder and vandalism.” (Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “1980 in Review.” 12-26-1980, 20.)

Sources

Anderson, David C. “Rampage in the Cellblocks” (review of The Devil’s Butcher Shop: The New Mexico Prison Uprising by Roger Morris), NYT, 2-26-1984. Accessed 6-18-2017 at: http://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/26/books/rampage-in-the-cellblocks.html

Colvin, Mark. The Penitentiary in Crisis: From Accommodation to Riot in New Mexico. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1992.

KOAT 7 Action News, Albuquerque, NM (Anna Velasquez). “Inmate recalls grisly 1980 New Mexico Prison riot. 33 inmates killed during New Mexico State Penitentiary riot.” 5-15-2014. Accessed 6-18-2017 at: http://www.koat.com/article/inmate-recalls-grisly-1980-new-mexico-prison-riot/5056600

New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “32 dead in wake of pen riot.” 2-4-1980, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=111403534

New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “Angry relatives say treatment of prison inmates ‘inhuman’.” 2-4-1980, A2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=108411148

New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “Chronology of takeover events.” 2-3-1980, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=108411098

New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM. “Inmates take over prison.” 2-2-1980, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=111403478

Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “1980 in Review.” 12-26-1980, p. 20 Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=109295337

Stamatov, Suzanne. “Riot at the Penitentiary of New Mexico-1980.” New Mexico Office of the State Historian. 2012. Accessed 6-18-2017 at: http://dev.newmexicohistory.org/filedetails.php?fileID=451

Wikipedia. “New Mexico State Penitentiary riot.” 7-1-2012 modification, and 6-11-2017 edit accessed 6-18-2017 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_State_Penitentiary_riot