Arizona’s Prison System Faces Legislative Scrutiny

By Staff Reporter |

Lawmakers are launching an investigation into Arizona’s prison system following a disturbing series of inmate murders at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson. Senate Public Safety Committee Chair Kevin Payne announced the inquiry on Monday after three inmates—Saul Alvarez, Thorne Harnage, and Donald Lashley—were killed within the facility. Each had been serving sentences for serious offenses, including first-degree murder and sexual crimes against minors.

Payne described the murders as “inexcusable and incredibly troubling.” He raised alarms about the safety of prison staff and indicated that the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) has failed to protect both inmates and correctional officers. “I fear for the lives of the correctional officers and staff who are reporting to duty every day,” he stated, stressing the urgent need for accountability from ADCRR, particularly Director Ryan Thornell.

The primary suspect in these murders, Ricky Wassenaar, has a notorious history, including involvement in a prison hostage crisis that lasted two weeks in 2004. At that time, he received 16 life sentences for armed robbery and assault. Wassenaar has previously alleged that he killed his 81-year-old cellmate, Joseph Desisto, but investigators ruled Desisto’s death as “undetermined,” noting the absence of supporting evidence for Wassenaar’s claims.

In addition to these incidents, ADCRR reported two more prisoner deaths that could be related to homicides in Buckeye and Florence. There has been a notable uptick in inmate-on-inmate violence statewide, particularly in close custody units known for housing high-risk prisoners. These units include Eyman’s Running Unit, Lewis’s Buckley, Morey, and Rast units, Tucson’s Cimarron unit, Winslow’s Kaibab unit, and Yuma’s Dakota unit, encompassing approximately 5,000 offenders among the over 35,000 inmates in Arizona.

In light of the surge in violence, ADCRR has implemented several immediate measures aimed at protecting staff and inmates. These actions include restricted movement and indefinite closed visitation, though inmates will still have access to essential services such as showers, phones, and legal appointments.

Director Ryan Thornell condemned the rising violence, declaring it unacceptable. “Violence is not, and should never be an acceptable part of incarceration,” he asserted. The ADCRR is under pressure to restore order and uphold the safety of its facilities as this investigation unfolds.