Fifth inmate dies in a week of violence at Mississippi prisons

A fifth Mississippi inmate died this morning in a state facility despite a state-wide lockdown in state and private facilities.

Friday around 3 a.m., Denorris Howell died in a stabbing, and another inmate was injured at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, WTVA reports.

All five killings have occurred since Sunday, Jan. 29, and three of the five were killed at Parchman—one on Tuesday, Dec. 31, another Thursday, Jan. 2, in a riot, and one this morning.

The first man died Jan. 29 at the South Mississippi Correctional Institute in Greene County . On Thursday, Jan. 2, a man died at the Chickasaw County Regional Correctional Facility.

Numerous men were injured at each of the incidents.

MDOC issued the following statement yesterday:

The Mississippi Department of Corrections continues a statewide lockdown for the safety of the public, staff, and inmates.

Therefore, movement of inmates is limited to only emergencies. As a result, there will be no visitation this weekend.

Interview and screening for potential correctional officers on Saturday at the three state prisons won’t be affected.

All available resources are being used to address disturbances occurring around the state. The MDOC is being responsive in investigating the violence.

Because of the active investigations, the agency is limited in providing additional information. Reporting allegations is irresponsible and could further jeopardize the safety of officers, inmates, and the public.

The safety of staff, inmates, and the public is always the agency’s focus.

The MDOC will keep the public informed as information becomes available that does not further jeopardize the safety of its institutions.

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