An Arizona prisoner who was serving 16 life sentences, Ricky Wassenaar, has been accused of killing three of his fellow inmates during an April 4 altercation. Wassenaar received the life sentences after his role in what is considered the longest prison hostage crisis in America's history.
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According to ABC15, Wassenaar is the sole suspect in connection with the killings of inmates Donald Lashley, Thorne Harnage, and Saul Alvarez. As per the New York Post, Lashley was convicted of child molestation, Harnage was convicted of sexual conduct with a minor, and Alvares was serving a sentence for murder.
The incident took place on April 4, at around 7:15 a.m. As per ABC15, prison staff at the Arizona State Prison Cimmaron Unit responded to an inmate altercation. Staff found Lashley and Harnage and administered life-saving measures. They would later find Alvarez in his cell, having suffered injuries, prompting them to administer life-saving measures as well. The three inmates succumbed to their injuries.
Ricky Wassenaar was taken into custody and transported to a maximum custody housing unit. He remains the sole suspect, and officials believe he acted with "intent to harm" his three fellow inmates. No further details regarding the altercation were made public.
Back in 2004, Wassenaar gained prominence after successfully entering into a prison control tower alongside another inmate, Steven Coy. They would take two officers hostage for two weeks.
Allegedly, Wassenaar gained access to the control tower by using a kitchen guard's uniform. Reportedly, Wassenaar obtained it after overpowering an officer with a handmade weapon, as per KOLD. One of the guards taken hostage, Lois Fraley, said she was sexually assaulted multiple times during the standoff.
Officials React
Prison officials released a statement, as reported by the Post. According to them, a criminal investigation in connection with the inmates' deaths has begun.
"All inmate deaths are investigated in consultation with the county medical examiner's office," the statement reads. "The ADCRR takes situations involving violence seriously and will pursue prosecution against any suspects believed to be involved in the case."
Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry Director Ryan Thornell called the incident a tragedy.
"Unfortunately, what occurred last week was a senseless act by one person who appeared to be solely focused on seeking harm to these specific individuals without any prior warning," Thornell said. "It was a heinous act, and we will continue to investigate it and hold inmate Wassenaar accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
