MDOC releases update on lockdown, violence in prison system

SUNFLOWER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi Department of Corrections has released an update on the statewide mandated lockdown and recent violence throughout the prison system.

MDOC commissioner Pelicia Hall said four inmates have died and several have been injured in major disturbances at two state prisons and one regional facility since Sunday.

Hall said a fifth death and fire at Parchman are unrelated to the major disturbances.

MDOC has confirmed that some of the major disturbances are gang related. The department said it will not release the names of the gangs to the public because of security reasons.

Hall said some inmates at Parchman have been moved to to more secure housing units on prisons grounds.

WCBI has received numerous calls and message from family members of inmates at the state prison.

They tell us their loved ones say there are still fires and fights on-going inside Unit 29. There are even rumors of additional deaths and injuries. In coming days you’ll be hearing from some of those.

Due to the lockdown, all movement at state, private and regional facilities has been limited to emergencies only. Hall said open bay housing units continue to be a challenge to manage at all facilities because inmates are not secured in single cells.

The lockdown will remain in place as MDOC continues to investigate.