Authorities have revealed the identity of the inmate accused of attacking and killing a person Ohio veteran corrections officer On Christmas Day.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) confirmed that Officer Andrew Lansing lost his life on Christmas morning after an “inmate assault” at the prison. Prison in Chillicothe.
The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m. and the department has not released additional information about the cause of the assault.
On Thursday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the inmate as 27-year-old Rashawn Cannon, who was jailed on assault and weapons under obstruction charges stemming from a September 2023 incident, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections website. .
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The website showed that Canon Expected release date What is August 5, 2030.
Cannon was transferred to a southern Ohio correctional facility, according to officials.
Annette Chambers-Smith, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, issued a statement about the assault, calling it a difficult loss.
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Correctional Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault that occurred at Ross Correctional Institution this morning,” Chambers-Smith said in a statement.
“Losing an employee is hard, but losing a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is an unfathomable tragedy. Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family this holiday, Officer Lansing made the sacrifice.” Maximum, and our agency will never be the same,” – Annette Chambers-Smith, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
Chambers-Smith said Officer Lansing was a long-time and well-respected employee of the facility and that his “untimely death, on Christmas Day, is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole.” “.
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The statement continued: “Officer Lansing was beloved by his colleagues and known for providing great support to his fellow RCI employees. We ask that you keep Officer Lansing's family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time.”
Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Ohio, also issued a statement expressing his condolences, calling Officer Lansing “one of the finest correctional officers.”
“While many of us were celebrating the Christmas holiday, a tragedy occurred at Ross Correctional Facility. I am saddened and disturbed to say that one of our finest correctional officers lost his life today in a struggle with an incarcerated inmate,” the statement read.
“The Ohio Highway Patrol is conducting a homicide investigation. Please keep the officer's family in your prayers as they deal with his loss on Christmas Day.”
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine He ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff in Officer Lansing's honor until sunset on the day of his funeral.
Chambers-Smith added that Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and an investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol is ongoing.
Stephenie Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Tips and story ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com