Arizona lawmakers are investigating rising violence in state prisons after officials confirmed nine inmates have been killed this year, with assaults against staff and prisoners increasing under the current leadership of Ryan Thornell.
The Joint Ad Hoc Study Committee on Correctional Practices and Facility Safety held hearings this week following an April incident at the Simron unit where three inmates were murdered.
Informed by a news release, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry Director Ryan Thornell confirmed the death toll to legislators, who questioned decisions that reassigned dangerous inmates despite their violent histories. Among those transferred was Ricky Wassenaar, now accused of the three April murders.
Lawmakers Express Concerns
"The people of Arizona deserve answers when preventable deaths occur inside state prisons," said Representative Quang Nguyen, committee co-chair. "What we heard yesterday shows a pattern of poor decisions, a lack of accountability, and troubling gaps in transparency at the top."
Senator Kevin Payne, the other co-chair, said prison employees have warned that leadership decisions are endangering lives. "Those who've spent their careers inside our prisons told us plainly that leadership decisions are putting lives at risk," he stated.
The investigation began after the April triple homicide revealed broader problems within the corrections system. Lawmakers report receiving numerous communications from current and former prison staff, many requesting anonymity due to retaliation fears.
"I'm still currently employed with the Arizona Department of Corrections. I've worked for this department for almost 10 years. This is by far the worst I've ever seen," Kevin Payne emphasized at the hearing. "Staff safety is no longer a concern of Director Thornell's."
Systemic Issues Identified
The committee found that thousands of inmates have been reclassified to lower custody levels, while problems continue with medical treatment programs that allegedly lack proper oversight. Prison workers describe managing units housing up to 700 inmates under deteriorating conditions.
"Director Thornell indicated to the Committee that he is willing to meet with us on an ongoing basis to address these concerns," Quang Nguyen said.
The committee plans to continue reviewing classification practices, staffing levels, and department oversight, with a detailed report expected in the coming months.
