Photo courtesy of the Virginia Department of Corrections.
RICHMOND, VA. - A deadly attack at River North Correctional Center claimed the life of Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall on Monday morning.
Officer Hall, 40, had been with the Virginia Department of Corrections since April 2024.
What we know:
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) and the Office of Law Enforcement Services are actively investigating the attack.
River North inmate John Holomon Russell, 32, is accused of attacking Officer Hall, who later died at a local hospital. Russell was serving an 11-year, 11-month sentence for various offenses, including carjacking and shoplifting.
The attack occurred at 7:53 a.m. on Nov. 17. Two other officers were injured but have since been released from the hospital.
The VADOC has activated its Critical Incident Stress Management team to provide emotional and psychological support to those affected by the incident.
Community response
What they're saying:
Virginia Deparment of Corrections Director Chad Dotson urged the community to keep Officer Hall’s family and friends in their thoughts.
"Our agency, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and corrections professionals around the nation join us in mourning the loss of Officer Hall," he said in a statement provided to FOX 5 DC. "The Virginia Department of Corrections will never stop saying Officer Jeremy Hall’s name, and the people of Virginia should never forget him."
The Culpeper Police Department also announced that they will shroud their badges in honor of Officer Hall, showing solidarity with the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares responded to the attack on social media as well.
"I’m devastated that a Virginia correctional officer was killed in the line of duty this morning, and another seriously injured, following a violent attack by an inmate at River North Correctional Center," he wrote on X on Monday. "Please join me in praying for the family of the fallen officer, for healing for the injured and for protection over every man and woman who wears the @VADOC badge in service to Virginia."
What we don't know:
More information about the attack and its circumstances will be released as it becomes available.
What's next:
The Virginia State Police plans to provide an escort for Officer Hall, whose body will depart from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Western District on Thursday morning.
Traffic delays are expected in the area of Peter's Creek Road and Interstate 581 during the motorcade.
The Source: Information from the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Virginia State Police and social media.