OKLAHOMA CITY — Officials lifted a statewide lockdown on state prisons over the weekend following a “disturbance” in which four inmates were killed at the privately run prison in Cushing on Sept. 12.
But certain inmates at that prison, the Cimarron Correctional Facility, remain on lockdown.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Robert Patton confirmed that the disturbance was between members of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood and the Irish Mob, and he said that “as of right now we are easing the lockdown at the Cimarron Correctional Facility with the exception of known associates and members of the two gang affiliations.”
The Corrections Department issued a press release saying Patton has toured the facility three times since the violence, once on the night of the incident and two additional times since then, and “is pleased with the progress of the investigation and the staff’s efforts to ensure a safe working environment.”
Inmates killed in the disturbance were Anthony A. Fulwilder, Kyle G. Tiffee, Michael E. Mayden Jr. and Christopher Tignor. The men were stabbed to death, according to the state Medical Examiner’s Office.
Three men — Jesse Hood, Cordell Johnson and Jared Cruce — were injured but have all returned to the prison.
The investigation into the fight continues, and the Corrections Department has yet to release the names of the inmates who led the attack or what charges might be filed as a result of the investigation.
Patton said that “rumors and speculations of disturbances at other facilities across the state on the evening of Sept. 12 being connected to the Cimarron altercation remain under investigation and we hope to have answers to these questions soon.”
Sean Wallace, director of Oklahoma Corrections Professionals, which represents prison workers, said correctional officers have reported to him that several fights took place at other facilities on the day of the Cushing attack.
Corrections Department spokesman Alex Gerszewski confirmed that these incidents occurred at other state prisons on Sept. 12:
A fistfight between several offenders at Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy. The involved offenders were treated at the facility for minor injuries.
Charles Overton, an inmate, was stabbed at Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite. He has been returned to the facility.
A fistfight between several offenders at William S. Keys Correctional Center in Fort Supply. Multiple offenders were taken off site and treated for minor injuries. All the inmates involved have been returned to the facility.
A fight at the James Crabtree Correctional Center in Helena, but no further details were released.
Patton said in the press release that “I would like to thank the staff and correctional officers at the Cimarron Correctional Facility and at other facilities throughout the state for acting swiftly and courageously during reported altercations.
“Their actions and response saved many lives and prevented more injuries. I appreciate their continued dedication to protecting the public and serving the state.”