A tragic and shocking incident unfolded on Christmas morning at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, Ohio. Andrew Lansing, a prison officer known for his dedication and kindness, lost his life in a brutal attack by an inmate. Lansing had volunteered to work overtime that day, giving his colleagues the chance to spend the holiday with their families. His generosity and selflessness ended in a devastating loss that has left his loved ones and colleagues heartbroken.
The inmate, Rashawn Cannon, had been serving time for a violent crime in which he pistol-whipped a woman, leaving her with a broken nose, loose teeth, and a split lip. On that Christmas morning, Cannon left the dining hall area and headed straight for Officer Lansing, launching a deadly assault. The motive behind this attack is still under investigation.
Officials revealed that Lansing had previously written a conduct report against Cannon in April for disrespect, threats, and disobedience to orders. Cannon was found guilty on two of those charges. Whether this past encounter played a role in the attack is unclear.
Andrew Lansing was remembered as a beloved member of the Ross Correctional Institution team. Annette Chambers-Smith, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, described him as a friendly, professional, and respectful officer who always supported his colleagues. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the institution, where Lansing was known as a reliable and kind-hearted individual.
This tragedy has also reignited tensions between the state prison system and the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association. Christopher Mabe, the union president, wrote to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, urging him to place Chambers-Smith on administrative leave during the investigation. He pointed out long-standing understaffing issues at the prison, which, according to him, have worsened over the years. Mabe emphasized the need for better pay to attract more employees and ensure the safety of those working under dangerous conditions.
In response, Chambers-Smith acknowledged a staff vacancy rate of 11 percent, which translates to about 40 unfilled positions. However, she maintained that all critical posts on Christmas morning had been covered.
Rashawn Cannon, now 27, has a history of violent behavior dating back to his teenage years. He was convicted of robbing his own uncle at gunpoint at age 18 and, more recently, was sentenced for the 2023 pistol-whipping incident. Before this attack, he was set for release in 2030. Authorities have now charged him with aggravated murder while in detention.
The loss of Andrew Lansing has left a void in the lives of his family and colleagues. Instead of celebrating the holiday with loved ones, Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice. His death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers correctional officers face daily and the urgent need to address staffing and safety concerns in the prison system.
