CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) --We are learning more about the tragic death of a Ross County corrections officer on Christmas morning. Authorities say the inmate who assaulted and killed Officer Andrew Lansing is 27-year-old Rashawn Cannon.
Records show Cannon had been in the prison for just over a year on felony assault charges. The death of Officer Lansing has impacted law enforcement and people across the nation, so much so the union representing state correction officers is demanding action from the governor.
“It could have been averted. Needless loss of life,” said Christopher Mabe, the President of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association representing state employees.
Family members of Officer Lansing say he was a great person and his former colleagues called him a mentor. Lansing was fatally assaulted Christmas morning by an inmate at the Ross Correctional Institution facility.
Cannon, the inmate accused of the assault, was convicted of two felony charges including felonious assault in a case out of Northwest Ohio in September 2023. He has been in prison for just over a year and was scheduled to serve until 2030.
Mabe said for years they’ve seen red flags inside the state's correction facilities. He said his heart goes out to Lansing's family. Mabe's association sent a letter with demands to Governor Mike DeWine.
“People are tired. They're afraid and they're afraid of being sick and tired. This is one of those last straws that, once again, people believe that something could have been done that wasn't,” Mabe said.
They are asking that the director and warden at the Ross Correctional Institution be put on administrative leave through the duration of Lansing's death investigation. Mabe said they’re also asking the state to prioritize the safety of officers, which includes addressing violence inside the facilities, accountability for leadership, and staff shortages.
“We need to come to some conclusions of what staffing levels are safe and secure before continuing running operations of prisons as if we're staff 100%. And this is something we've been going back and forth for years,” Mabe said.
Mabe explained almost every facility statewide is understaffed. He said he believes the Ross Correctional Institution facility where the assault happened currently has about 40 open positions causing officers to work overtime.
“People feel beat down. They feel helpless, scared, angered. All those things at once. And for this to happen once again in this department is inexcusable,” Mabe said.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating this incident. Lansing had worked in corrections facilities for about 40 years.
