Authorities have released the identity of the inmate who is accused of attacking and killing a veteran Ohio corrections officer on Christmas Day.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) confirmed that Officer Andrew Lansing died after “an attack by an inmate” at the Chillicothe prison on Christmas morning.
The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m. and the department did not release additional information about what led to the attack.
On Thursday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the inmate as Rashawn Cannon, 27, who was booked into the jail on aggravated assault and weapons charges under disability charges stemming from an incident in September 2023, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s website. Has been placed in. ,
The website showed that Canon’s expected release date was August 5, 2030.
According to officials, Cannon has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.
Annette Chambers-Smith, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, released a statement about the attack and called it a difficult loss.
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Corrections Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault at Ross Correctional Institution this morning,” Chambers-Smith said in a statement.
Chambers-Smith said the officer was a long-respected employee at the Lansing facility and his “untimely death on Christmas Day is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family and our agency.” ,
“Officer Lansing was well-loved by his coworkers and was known as a great support to his fellow RCI employees. We ask that you keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this devastating and tragic time,” the statement continued.
Representative Mark Johnson, R-Ohio, also released a statement, offering his condolences, and calling Officer Lansing “one of the best corrections officers.”
“While many of us were celebrating our Christmas holidays, a tragedy occurred at Ross Correctional Facility. “I am saddened and troubled to say that one of the finest corrections officers lost his life today in a struggle with an inmate,” the statement said.
“The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating the homicide. Please remember the officer’s family in your prayers as they recover from their loss on Christmas Day.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered all flags to be lowered until sunset on the day of Officer Lansing’s funeral in honor of Officer Lansing.
Chambers-Smith said Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating.
