Inmate dies after gang-related fight at Florence prison | Top Stories

FLORENCE, Ariz. (KVOA) – An inmate has died following a gang-related fight involving multiple inmates at a state prison in Florence.

Christopher Wagner was pronounced dead at 10:37 a.m. on May 2 at Chandler Regional Medical Center, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry. Wagner had been in critical condition since the April 26 altercation at the Rynning Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman.

The fight resulted in several inmates being evaluated and treated by health care staff at the prison. Several additional inmates were transported to the hospital for care of non life-threatening injuries.

Two inmates involved in the fight remain hospitalized in stable condition. No ADCRR staff were injured during the incident.

The altercation appears to be a direct result of a gang-related dispute and violence, according to the press release. ADCRR officials said the targeted, gang-related incident does not represent a threat to the wider inmate population or staff, nor is it reflective of the broader safety conditions inside Arizona’s prisons.

Wagner’s death is under active investigation by ADCRR’s Office of the Inspector General as a homicide. All inmate deaths are also investigated in consultation with the county medical examiner’s office.

The Rynning Unit remains under curtailment, and visitation has been cancelled until further notice. ADCRR continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its staff with onsite employee support resources available 24/7 at every prison complex.