Another Inmate Death Sparks Renewed GOP Demands for Accountability

Deaths in Arizona prisons prompts lawmaker inquiry

Two lawmakers demand information on department operations

State GOP pushing for independent prison oversight agency

The recent death of an inmate in an Arizona prison has intensified demands from lawmakers for detailed information regarding corrections operations. An alarming triple homicide at a Tucson facility in April, along with reported homicides throughout the past year, has reignited scrutiny of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry.

Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “I am not letting it go.” This year, corrections officials confirmed eight homicides in state prisons, bringing the total to eleven since January.

The most recent death notification involved Indalecio Garcia, 31, who passed away at the Lewis complex on June 23. The department has yet to confirm whether this incident is classified as a homicide due to an ongoing investigation.

Following this incident, Senate and House Republicans urged Governor Katie Hobbs to implement oversight measures. Senator Kevin Payne, R-Peoria, remarked, “The longer we wait before we can get to the bottom of the gaps in security at our state prisons, the more lives that may be lost.”

The inquiry was prompted by the April incident involving inmate Ricky Waasenaar, who allegedly killed three inmates. This probe has expanded into a comprehensive examination of prison safety, staffing, and overall conditions.

Nguyen and Payne have made multiple requests for critical information and have engaged with former corrections staff, families of inmates, and various whistleblowers to better understand the issues at hand. In a letter dated June 4, they asserted the right for both the public and the Legislature to be informed, claiming “nothing less than a disaster in your facilities.”

Corrections Director Ryan Thornell addressed the lawmakers, emphasizing that needed improvements depend on increased resources. He highlighted the challenging working conditions faced by staff, who often work in underfunded environments.

Thornell invited lawmakers to visit state prisons to witness staff efforts firsthand and to hear from current employees, contrasting their perspectives with those of former staff.

In addition to ongoing inquiries, lawmakers are considering forming an ad hoc committee to assess security issues within the department. On May 29, several legislators requested such a committee to ensure comprehensive oversight.

The proposal would grant subpoena power and access to internal records, allowing for testimonies from various stakeholders, including frontline officers and impacted families. Nguyen noted that he remains in the information-gathering phase.

Efforts for long-term, independent oversight of the department are also underway. Senate Bill 1507, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, aims to create an independent office for ongoing scrutiny of the corrections system. Although this bill received broad support in the Legislature, it faced opposition from the governor’s office, delaying its funding.

The bill progressed through the House Committee of the Whole without allocated funding on June 26, outlining alternative financing and additional accountability measures. Bolick stressed the importance of an impartial oversight body, stating, “This office is not going to be political.”