Arizona Lifer Accused of Killing 3 Prison Mates
Arizona Inmate Serving Multiple Life Sentences Accused of Killing 3 Fellow Prisoners
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — An inmate serving 16 life sentences in an Arizona state prison in Tucson is accused of killing three other inmates during an altercation Friday, according to authorities.
Details of the Incident
Ricky Wassenaar is suspected of fatally attacking Saul Alvarez, Thorne Harnage, adn Donald Lashley in the Cimmaron unit of the Arizona State prison Complex – Tucson, KOLD-TV reported. Authorities believe Wassenaar acted with the “intention of harming” the victims.
Victims’ Backgrounds
Alvarez was incarcerated for a murder conviction out of Maricopa County. Harnage was serving time after being convicted in Pima County for sexual misconduct with a minor. Lashley was serving a sentence for child molestation, also in Pima County.
Wassenaar’s Previous Crimes
Wassenaar was already serving 16 life sentences stemming from a 2004 prison incident,according to KOLD-TV. his criminal history predates that incident.
Prior Hostage Situation
Wassenaar and another man were convicted of taking two guards hostage for 15 days at the Lewis Prison complex in Buckeye, Arizona. The incident is considered one of the longest prison hostage situations in U.S. history.
Reports indicate Wassenaar obtained a kitchen guard’s uniform and then deceived another guard to gain access to a prison surveillance tower. He allegedly acquired the uniform by overpowering an officer with a makeshift weapon.
Investigation and Transfer
Following the deaths, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) transferred Wassenaar to a prison in Florence. The incident remains under investigation.
The Office of the Inspector General of ADCRR has initiated an initial criminal investigation related to the deaths of the inmates. All inmate deaths are investigated in consultation with the office of the Forensic Medical of the County. The ADCRR takes the situations of violence very seriously and will undertake judicial actions against any suspect that is considered involved in the case.
Prison visits were canceled for the remainder of the day following the altercation.
Arizona Inmate Accused of Killing Three Fellow Prisoners: A Q&A
Welcome to a comprehensive look at the recent incident at an Arizona state prison. We’ll break down the details and provide you with the key data in a clear, easy-to-understand format.
What happened at the Arizona State Prison Complex – Tucson?
An inmate serving multiple life sentences is accused of killing three other inmates. The incident occurred on Friday in the Cimmaron unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex – Tucson. authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Who is the suspect in this case?
The primary suspect is Ricky Wassenaar. The article states he is serving 16 life sentences.
Who were the victims?
The victims of the alleged attacks were:
Saul Alvarez
Thorne Harnage
Donald Lashley
What were the victims’ backgrounds?
Here’s a breakdown of the victims and their prior convictions:
Saul Alvarez: Imprisoned for a murder conviction out of Maricopa County.
Thorne Harnage: Serving time for sexual misconduct with a minor, convicted in Pima County.
Donald Lashley: Serving a sentence for child molestation, also in Pima County.
What were ricky Wassenaar’s previous convictions?
Ricky Wassenaar was already serving 16 life sentences stemming from a previous prison incident in 2004. his criminal history predates this incident.
What other crimes is Ricky Wassenaar known for?
Prior to the recent incident, Wassenaar was also convicted of taking two guards hostage for 15 days at the Lewis Prison complex in Buckeye, Arizona. This incident is considered one of the longest prison hostage situations in U.S. history.
How did Wassenaar gain access to the prison surveillance tower during the hostage situation?
Reports indicate that wassenaar obtained a kitchen guard’s uniform by overpowering an officer with a makeshift weapon and then deceived another guard to gain access to a prison surveillance tower.
Where was Ricky Wassenaar transferred after the incident?
Following the deaths of the three inmates, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) transferred Wassenaar to a prison in Florence, arizona.
What is the status of the examination?
The incident remains under investigation. The Office of the inspector General of ADCRR has initiated an initial criminal investigation. All inmate deaths are investigated in consultation with the office of the Forensic Medical of the County.
What actions are being taken by the ADCRR?
The ADCRR states that it takes situations of violence very seriously. Judicial actions will be undertaken against any suspect considered involved in the case.
Were any other actions taken as a result of the altercation?
Yes, prison visits were canceled for the remainder of the day following the altercation.
Timeline of Events
Here is a brief summary of the key events:
| Event | Details |
| ——————————————— | ———————————————————————– |
| Incident: | Three inmates killed |
| Suspect: | Ricky Wassenaar |
| Location: | Cimmaron unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex – Tucson |
| Investigation: | initiated by the Office of the Inspector General of ADCRR |
| Inmate Transfer: | Wassenaar transferred to a prison in Florence,Arizona |
| Additional Action: | Prison visits canceled for the remainder of the day |