From the Vault: Lucasville prison riot killed nine inmates, one guard in 1993.

Summary

The Southern Ohio Correctional Facility riot, which began on Easter Sunday, escalated over several days as 450 inmates took control of Cellblock L, taking hostages and causing multiple deaths. Negotiations began with a series of broken promises, including the release of a guard that never happened. As the standoff continued, tensions rose with threats, deaths, and the involvement of National Guard troops. On day six, inmate demands were broadcast live, and by the second week, the inmates signaled a willingness to end the siege. The situation brought national attention to prison conditions, violence, and the desperate measures taken by both sides.

Takeaways

• 😀 The violent riot at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility began on Easter Sunday when inmates ambushed corrections officers, resulting in multiple deaths and hostages taken.
• 😀 Eight corrections officers were held hostage during the riot, and at least five inmates were killed, with details of their deaths kept quiet due to their severity.
• 😀 Negotiations started within an hour of the siege, with authorities cutting off electricity and water to the cellblock to pressure the inmates.
• 😀 Day two of the standoff saw a rise in tensions, as inmates in a neighboring cellblock joined the uprising and flooded their own area with broken sinks and toilets.
• 😀 As the standoff progressed, a police helicopter crashed near the facility, injuring three people and escalating the situation.
• 😀 Tensions continued to rise on day five, with the discovery of a dead hostage, Correctional Officer Robert Landingham, and more demands from the inmates, including religious freedoms and amnesty.
• 😀 On day six, a dramatic turn occurred when inmates released a guard and allowed a spokesman to voice their demands live on TV, including firing the warden and ending prison abuses.
• 😀 By day seven, while little changed in the prison, negotiations continued with new shipments of food and water sent as signs of goodwill.
• 😀 Prison officials were relieved to announce that the five hostage guards were confirmed alive through an audio tape recorded during the siege.
• 😀 By the second week of the standoff, word from the inmates' attorney revealed they wanted the siege to end, and there was optimism that an agreement could be reached.

Q & A

What event triggered the hostage situation at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility?

The hostage situation was triggered on Easter Sunday when inmates staged a fight as convicts were returning from the exercise yard. They then ambushed corrections officers, seized control of Cellblock L, and took eight officers hostage.

How many inmates were killed during the riot, and what was the cause of their deaths?

At least five inmates were killed during the riot. They were beaten so severely that the details of their deaths were only shared in whispers.

What measures were taken to negotiate with the inmates during the standoff?

Negotiations started within an hour of the riot, with authorities cutting off electricity and water to Cellblock L. A team of eight negotiators continued talks with the 450 inmates, while reporters were allowed to communicate with them as well.

How did the situation evolve on Monday, Day 2 of the standoff?

On Monday, the situation remained tense with corrections officers on high alert. The prison experienced a new disturbance when inmates in Cellblock K attempted to flood their block by breaking sinks and toilets. Authorities used tear gas to quell the disturbance.

What happened on Tuesday, Day 3 of the siege?

On Tuesday, Day 3, the situation worsened. The death toll rose with a sixth inmate found dead. Tensions escalated when inmates in Cellblock K joined the uprising, and authorities began moving inmates to other prisons. A police helicopter crash also occurred near the facility, injuring three people.

How did the community respond to the standoff?

The town of Lucasville rallied in support of the guards, with locals offering prayers at a nighttime vigil for those involved in the crisis.

What happened on Thursday, Day 5, of the standoff?

On Day 5, the situation saw a breakthrough. The body of a hostage, Correctional Officer Robert Landingham, was found in the yard. Despite this tragic discovery, talks continued. Later that day, an inmate spokesman gave a live radio address, and a guard, Gerald Clark, was released by the inmates.

What demands did the inmates make during the standoff?

The inmates made several demands, including religious freedom for Muslim prisoners, firing the warden, and ensuring there would be no reprisals once the standoff ended. They also sought amnesty.

What significant event occurred on Day 6, Friday, during the standoff?

On Day 6, Friday, an inmate spokesperson appeared on live TV to list the inmates' demands. Later that evening, the National Guard moved into position around the prison as tensions remained high.

How did the situation resolve on Day 8, Sunday?

On Sunday, it was confirmed that the five hostage guards were alive and well, with an audio tape confirming their survival. This news brought hope, and later reports indicated that the inmates were seeking to end the siege.