Judge Reinstates Prison Guards Fired over Alleged Inmate Beating in Calif.

Challenges investigation outcome and orders back pay

The investigation concluded that five prison guards pinned down, kicked and stomped a handcuffed inmate so violently that one nearby onlooker wept, closed her eyes and began to pray.

A second woman watched the officers beat the handcuffed African American male, according to a heavily redacted judicial narrative obtained by The Bee, and said it reminded her of the infamous Rodney King incident.

The crying woman didn't respond, but a third observer agreed: "They're kicking the s--- out of him," she said.