Ohio Inmate Indicted in Death of Correctional Officer, Sparks Legislative Push for Reform

Toledo, Ohio — Rashawn Cannon has been indicted in connection with the tragic death of correctional officer Andrew Lansing at Ross Correctional Institution on Christmas Day, 2024. A grand jury charged Cannon with two counts of aggravated murder on Friday, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Officer Lansing, a dedicated staff member at the state prison, died from injuries inflicted by Cannon during an altercation at the facility. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) confirmed that Lansing was brutally beaten to death by the inmate, sparking outrage among his family, colleagues, and the union representing Ohio’s correctional workers. All parties have described the death as “preventable,” a sentiment echoed by state representative Mark Johnson, who represents Ross County.

In the wake of the tragedy, Johnson has championed legislative reform through a proposed bill dubbed “Andy’s Law,” named in honor of Officer Lansing. The draft bill aims to address significant gaps in prison safety and provide support for families of fallen correctional officers. Johnson has outlined several provisions for the bill, including:

• Requiring the ODRC to hire a consulting firm to improve hiring and retention practices.

• Strengthening penalties for inmates who injure or kill correctional staff.

• Revising the qualifications for the position of ODRC director to ensure better leadership.

• Ensuring that healthcare costs for the spouse of any correctional staff member killed in the line of duty are covered until they remarry.

• Allocating one million dollars to the Attorney General’s office to improve prosecution in cases involving the harm of correctional officers.

While the bill’s core provisions remain intact, Johnson has recently suggested that some elements, particularly those related to prosecution and healthcare, may be handled separately. Notably, Johnson is now proposing the introduction of a traveling judge to help manage the case load in Ohio’s prisons, especially in counties like Ross, where courtrooms are already overburdened with cases.

“We have only two judges in Ross County, and with a population nearing 80,000 people, the caseload is overwhelming,” Johnson said in an interview with 10TV. “A traveling judge could help us address these issues more efficiently, especially when dealing with incidents like the death of Officer Lansing.”

In addition to proposals for better prosecution, Johnson is also advocating for changes in healthcare coverage for the families of fallen officers. One amendment to the state budget aims to extend healthcare coverage to the widow or widower of a correctional officer who dies on duty, ensuring they are covered until they become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Another proposed amendment seeks to eliminate copay fees for mental health coverage for prison employees, recognizing the psychological toll that working in the correctional system can take.

“Watching a coworker face the dangers they do, it’s no surprise that many officers require mental health support,” Johnson remarked.

The issue of prison safety remains a significant concern for Johnson, who has had conversations with staff at Ross Correctional Institution about the state’s recently proposed taser pilot program. While some officers worry about the possibility of tasers falling into the wrong hands, Johnson acknowledged that the program could be a step toward improving safety. However, he emphasized that careful consideration is needed to ensure the safety of both officers and inmates.

As the investigation into Officer Lansing’s death continues, the proposed reforms are gaining momentum, with the hope that “Andy’s Law” will lead to lasting changes in Ohio’s prison system. Lawmakers, correctional workers, and the families of fallen officers are calling for immediate action to prevent further tragedies and improve the safety and well-being of those working on the frontlines of the state’s correctional facilities.