BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A convicted murderer who killed his cellmate at North Kern State Prison in 2014 was denied parole, announced the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
On Jan. 28, 2026, Rory Moser was found to pose a current and unreasonable risk to public safety by the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH).
Rory Moser. Photo: Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
On June 29, 2014, Moser was serving time in North Kern State Prison in Delano for his Sacramento County conviction for felony drunk driving, causing serious bodily injury and hit-and-run when he murdered Donald Cook.
At around 3 a.m., a correctional officer heard “man down,” and when officers responded, they noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside Moser’s cell. Officers learned that Moser murdered the victim inside his cell.
The victim died from blunt force trauma to his head, neck, and chest, suffering from multiple head and facial lacerations as well as rib fractures.
FILE{ }North Kern State Prison (KBAK/KBFX)
Moser was convicted of second-degree murder on July 27, 2017. He was sentenced to 15 years to life by a Kern County judge.
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He is currently 45 years old and has served approximately nine years in prison.
In the initial parole board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Moser’s commissioners focused on his high-risk rating for re-offense in his latest mental health evaluation.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office asked the BPH to deny parole. The board found that Moser continues to pose a current unreasonable risk of danger to society. He was issued a five-year denial.
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District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer stated, “Heinous acts of violence warrant full accountability, whether committed out in the community or within correctional facilities. Accountability must apply in every case.”