CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The estate of a Ross County corrections officer who died after being attacked inside the Ross Correctional Institution last Christmas has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the inmate accused of killing him and several unidentified defendants.
The complaint, filed Dec. 23 in Ross County Common Pleas Court by the executor of the estate of Andrew Steven Lansing, outlines a series of events beginning months before Lansing’s death. According to the filing, inmate Rashawn Cannon threatened Lansing on April 1, 2024, after demanding early access to a phone and becoming aggressive during a call. Lansing ordered Cannon to calm down, and Cannon allegedly responded by yelling, “F— you, I’ll kill you!” The lawsuit states Lansing filed a conduct report and that prison officials later found Cannon guilty of misconduct.
On Dec. 25, 2024, Lansing was assigned to the center guard shack at the prison. The lawsuit alleges Cannon left his housing unit that morning, crossed the grounds, entered the guard shack, and “viciously attacked” Lansing. Lansing was taken to two hospitals for treatment and was pronounced dead late that morning, the filing says.
The estate accuses Cannon of negligence, recklessness, willful and wanton conduct, and acting with actual malice. Ten unnamed “John Doe” defendants are also listed, described as individuals or entities who may have contributed to the circumstances that allowed the attack to occur, including through failures to protect Lansing or prevent harm.
The lawsuit includes claims for personal injury, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, statutory civil liability under R.C. 2307.60, and wrongful death. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorney fees, interest, and court costs.
Cannon remains incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary. No responses to the civil complaint had been filed as of its submission.
You can view the lawsuit filing below: