News: Press Release

For Release: September 8, 2011- Contact Larry Traylor, (804) 674-3574

Inmate Death at Red Onion State Prison

RICHMOND - The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) has confirmed an inmate at Red Onion State Prison (ROSP) in Wise County has died from apparent unnatural causes.  The incident, a suspected inmate-on-inmate attack in a cell, occurred Tuesday, September 6, 2011, around 1:00 p.m.  Death was pronounced at 2:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

The deceased offender has been identified as Kawaski Bass, a 31-year-old male serving a 65 year, 9 month sentence for 1998 and 1999 convictions in Spotsylvania County, the City of Newport News, Hanover County and Henrico County.  Convictions include Robbery, Use of a Firearm, Carjacking, Assault and Battery and Conspiracy.

ROSP is operating under normal conditions.  No correctional officers, employees, or other inmates were injured.  The incident is under investigation by the Virginia State Police.