Police Reveal Motive for Prison Employee Murder

STOCKTON, CA - Stockton police have announced the arrests of three people, allegedly connected to Wednesday's killing of a federal prison employee. Police also say the motive appears to be robbery.

"Mr. Rutledge was in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Stockton police spokesman Pete Smith. "The killing was senseless."

Smith said shortly after Michael Rutledge, 35, was killed, his stolen credit cards were used at nearby gas stations and convenience stores.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the suspects were located in south Stockton and arrested. They are Gerell Whatley, 19; Joel Lewis, 19 and Delisa Bryant, 40.

Rutledge worked in food service since 2000 at the Federal Correctional Institution women's prison in Alameda County. Police had considered the possibility his occupation played a role in the attack.

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