Chillicothe, Ohio – Corrections Officer Killed: A veteran corrections officer was allegedly assaulted and killed by an inmate on Christmas Day at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI), an act described by state officials as “beyond comprehension.”
Officer Andrew Lansing, a long-time and respected employee at RCI, was attacked on Wednesday in what officials are calling a tragic and senseless loss. Lansing succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital, according to a statement from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).
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“A Tragedy Beyond Comprehension”
“The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension,” said Annette Chambers-Smith, director of the ODRC.
“Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same.”
While authorities have not disclosed the identity of the inmate suspected of killing Lansing, they confirmed that the individual has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Lucasville. Details of the attack, such as the location within the sprawling 1,707-acre prison or whether a weapon was involved, have not been released.
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A Facility Under Strain
RCI, located about 43 miles south of Columbus, houses nearly 2,000 inmates, half of whom are classified as a “security threat group,” according to a September 2023 report by the Ohio General Assembly’s Correctional Institution Inspection Committee.
The same report noted a staffing shortfall at the prison, with 320 corrections officers employed—47 positions short of full staffing levels. Despite staffing adjustments earlier this year, RCI remains under strain, with prison violence continuing to challenge safety protocols.
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Increase in Violence, but No Prior Homicides
During the unannounced inspection, the committee found a 5.6% decrease in violent incidents against staff compared to 2022. However, fights among inmates, including brawls involving four or more individuals, rose by 23%.
Notably, the report highlighted that no homicides had occurred at RCI between 2019 and 2023, making Officer Lansing’s death an alarming and unprecedented event for the facility.
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Tributes to Officer Lansing
Director Chambers-Smith described Lansing as a “friendly, outgoing officer” who was highly regarded by his colleagues.
“Officer Lansing was loved by his colleagues and known to be a great support for his fellow RCI staff. He treated everyone with respect and was always a professional,” Chambers-Smith said.
His death has left the Ross Correctional Institution and the ODRC reeling, with colleagues mourning the loss of a dedicated and compassionate officer.
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Investigation Underway
RCI has been placed on lockdown as the Ohio State Highway Patrol leads an investigation into Lansing’s homicide. Officials are working to piece together the events leading to the attack and ensure justice is served.
A Heartbreaking Holiday Tragedy
The timing of Lansing’s death on Christmas Day has added to the heartbreak felt by his family, coworkers, and the broader corrections community. His untimely passing is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by corrections officers and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure their safety.
The ODRC has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and vowed to honor Officer Lansing’s memory as they navigate this devastating loss.
