NEWS REPORTS INDICATED THAT THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE SHOOTING DEATH OF CORRECTIONS OFFICER RHONDA RUSSEL WAS NOT CRIMINAL OR NEGLIGENT, THAT DEADLY FOCE WAS JUSTIFIED IN THIS CASE, AND THAT THE SERGEANT WAS NOT CHARGED. RUSSEL WAS STRUCK AND KILLED BY A SHOT FIRED AT AN INMATE, CHRISTOHER AIKENS, AFTER HE TOOK OFFICER RUSSELL’S GUN AND HELD HER HOSTAGE. AIKENS PULLED RUSSELL INTO THE LINE OF FIRE AND SHE WAS KILLED. THE INVESTIGATION FAULTED THE SECURITY PROCEDURES AT THE BLAIR CENTRAL COURT FACILITY AND RECOMMEND CHANGES TO ENSURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. AIKENS IS FACING CHARGES OF MURDER FOR CAUSING RUSSELL’S DEATH.
