Senate Republicans in Arizona are demanding answers from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, & Reentry (ADCRR) Director Ryan Thornell and Governor Katie Hobbs following an alleged inmate homicide at Lewis Prison Complex. This incident reportedly marks the 11th inmate homicide within state correctional facilities for fiscal year 2025, a significant increase from the average of two homicides per year over the past four years.
Senate Public Safety Committee Chairman Kevin Payne expressed concern over the situation, stating, “This troubling news comes on today’s deadline I provided Director Thornell to produce records pertaining to incidents, culture, and operations of ADCRR in my June 4 letter.” He emphasized the urgency of addressing security gaps in state prisons to prevent further loss of life. Payne also noted another incident at a facility in Florence where several guards were assaulted.
Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp highlighted issues faced by corrections officers due to staffing shortages and policy decisions. She stated, “Our corrections officers and staff face the very real threat that on any given day, they could be attacked by an unchecked inmate.” Shamp called for greater oversight of ADCRR and urged Governor Hobbs to take action.
Senate Majority Whip Crank Carroll stressed the importance of maintaining safety within prisons. “A core function of government is to ensure the safety of our citizens by properly incarcerating individuals who are paying back their debts to society,” he said. Carroll pointed out that one murder is too many and suggested that current management practices are inadequate.
David Gowan, Senate Military Affairs & Border Security Committee Chairman, commented on the challenges faced by corrections officers. “Our corrections officers are overworked and underpaid. Our prisons and jails are understaffed,” he said. Gowan mentioned that Republican lawmakers have proposed solutions but encountered resistance from Governor Hobbs.
Senator Vince Leach voiced concerns about public safety and prison operations being a bipartisan issue that requires serious attention from Governor Hobbs. “My constituents are concerned,” he said, emphasizing the need for responsible management of Arizona’s prisons.
For more information, contact Kim Quintero, Director of Communications for the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus at kquintero@azleg.gov.
