UPDATE: ADCRR Confirms Three Deaths at ASPC-Tucson

As of April 4, 2025, 1:00 PM

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) confirms an altercation at ASPC-Tucson this morning, resulting in the death of three inmates.

There is no continued ongoing threat.

The ADCRR takes situations involving violence seriously and will pursue prosecution against any suspects believed to be involved in the case.

ADCRR's Office of the Inspector General has begun an initial criminal investigation related to the inmates' deaths. All inmate deaths are investigated in consultation with the county medical examiner's office.

While there is no additional information available at this time, updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Visitation at the ASPC- Tucson has been canceled for today.

Update: as of April 4, 2025, 8:00 PM

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) confirmed earlier today that an altercation at ASPC-Tucson, Cimarron Unit this morning resulted in the death of three inmates.

This evening, the ADCRR confirms the identities of those three individuals who died:

• Inmate Saul Alvarez, ADCRR #138773, was admitted to ADCRR custody in 2004 after being sentenced out of Maricopa County for First Degree Murder. He was housed at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson.
• Inmate Thorne Harnage, ADCRR #372231, was admitted to ADCRR custody in 2024 after being sentenced out of Pima County for Sexual Conduct with a Minor. He was housed at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson.
• Inmate Donald Lashley, ADCRR #364250, was admitted to ADCRR custody in 2023 after being sentenced out of Pima County for Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Molestation of a Child. He was housed at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson.

The ADCRR confirms that inmate Ricky Wassenaar, ADCRR #065155, is the sole suspect.

Per policy, ADCRR's Office of the Inspector General has begun the initial criminal investigation related to the inmates' deaths. Preliminary reports suggest that inmate Wassenaar acted with intent to harm the three men named above. There is no evidence to suggest any ongoing threat.

As this is an ongoing investigation, updates will be provided as they are available.

In 2005, Inmate Wassenaar was convicted on 19 charges, including Kidnapping, Dangerous or Deadly Assault by Prisoner, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Assault, and First-Degree Escape for his involvement in the 2004 hostage situation at the ASPC-Lewis.

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