CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – A social media storm has erupted following the tragic Christmas Day killing of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI). This incident has ignited widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with claims that multiple inmates have also died at the facility in recent years.
An online petition is circulating, demanding the resignation of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Director Annette Chambers-Smith. The petition highlights concerns over the safety and conditions within the prison system.
One Facebook user shared their harrowing experiences, stating, “As it’s unfortunate what’s going inside R.C.I (Ross Correctional Institution) I’m glad that we’re finally talking about what’s really going on in these Prisons. Many inmates and former inmates such as myself have suffered from inhumane conditions, physical and mental abuse for years. I’ve witnessed CO’s murder, sexual assault, and provoke inmates. I myself have been beaten with sticks, pepper-sprayed, and thrown inside darkness for months at a time. What’s going on at Ross Correctional is happening in Prisons all over the world. And will continue to happen until ‘WE’ as People come together and rise against this unjust system…. What are things we need to do in order to bring forth a realistic reform?”
Following Officer Lansing’s death, ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith issued a statement: “It is with great sadness that I confirm the tragic death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault that occurred at Ross Correctional Institution this morning. Officer Lansing is a long-time, well-respected employee at Ross, and his untimely death – on Christmas Day – is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole. Officer Lansing was loved by his colleagues and known to be a great support for his fellow RCI staff. He was a friendly, outgoing officer who treated everyone with respect and was always a professional. The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension. Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same. We ask that you keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time. The Ross Correctional Institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s investigation is underway. The inmate suspect has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.”
Records from the prison reveal that the inmate accused of killing Lansing had a previous run-in with the officer and had threatened to kill him at the time. On April 1, 2024, inmate Rashawn Cannon demanded early access to a phone for a family issue. Officer Lansing denied the request, instructing Cannon to wait until his scheduled recreation period. Later that evening, Cannon reportedly became aggressive, shouting obscenities and threats, including, “F— you, I’ll kill you.” Despite several direct orders from Officer Lansing to de-escalate, Cannon continued his disruptive behavior, prompting Lansing to call for assistance and restrain him without further incident. The Rules Infraction Board (RIB) reviewed Officer Lansing’s conduct report and found Cannon guilty of disobedience and disrespect towards staff, resulting in a 30-day phone restriction.
Tragically, on December 25, Officer Lansing was fatally assaulted at RCI. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction confirmed his death following “an inmate assault” that morning. The institution is currently operating under restricted movement, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation.
In response to the incident, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered all flags to be lowered in honor of Officer Lansing until sunset on the day of his funeral. Cannon has since been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. The investigation into Officer Lansing’s death is ongoing, with no further details released at this time.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of Lansing, raising nearly $10,000 so far. Those interested in donating can do so at the following link: Help our Fallen Officer and Hero Andrew Lansing’s Family.
Hundreds of corrections officers and their families, as well as the families of those incarcerated, are calling for a total restructuring of ODRC, demanding greater federal oversight. A local Facebook group called “Theirvoices” is organizing protests over the deaths at the institution. Stacy Delawder posted in the group, saying, “I am sure most of you have probably heard about the tragic event that happened on Christmas day within the ODRC. There have been multiple convicted citizens killed while incarcerated and not a word is ever said. No one is ever held accountable and in most instances, the ODRC will say the death is a suicide or OD. Families lose their loved ones many times at the hands of those that are there to protect them. With the most recent death of Officer Lansing, this is bringing national attention. We need to act now to invoke change! Our loved ones were not sentenced to death and WE ARE THEIRVOICES!!! We at Their-Voices are currently collaborating with several other organizations to stage a rally/protest. If you are interested please contact me and I will let you know what you can do to help!”
In addition, correction officers across Ohio are staging a boycott in solidarity after the tragic death of Officer Andy Lansing. The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA) President Christopher Mabe has expressed significant concerns about systemic leadership and management failures within the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC). In a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, Mabe called for the immediate suspension of DRC Director Annette Chambers and other relevant officials, pending the investigation into Officer Andrew Lansing’s death. Mabe emphasized that Lansing’s death highlights a failure to prioritize the safety of correctional staff and reflects a broader pattern of negligence endangering those serving in Ohio’s correctional institutions.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Officer Lansing while demanding accountability and reform within the prison system. The investigation into his death remains ongoing, and the call for change grows louder with each passing day.