ROSS COUNTY, OHIO — A community is mourning the tragic death of Andrew Lansing, a correctional officer at the Ross County Correctional Institution, who was killed by an inmate on Christmas Day.
According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Lansing, 62, was assaulted early on the morning of December 25, 2023, during what was supposed to be a joyful holiday.
A longtime officer at the facility, Lansing had more than 24 years of service under his belt, earning the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and the community. "His untimely death on Christmas Day is heartbreaking for his family, the entire Ross Correctional Institution family, and our agency as a whole," said Annette Chambers-Smith, Director of the agency, reflecting on the deep sense of loss they all feel.
Reports indicate the inmate responsible for Lansing’s death is 27-year-old Rashawn Cannon, who had been incarcerated for over a year at the time of the assault. Cannon has prior felony convictions, including assault, and his violent past has raised questions about the safety protocols within the prison.
Tiffany Ky, a neighbor of Lansing for over two decades, shared her grief about the incident. “It’s so unfair because it’s Christmas. People shouldn’t really work for Christmas Day, and this will change Christmas for his family and us for a long time,” she lamented.
Officer Lansing was remembered not just for his professionalism but for his kindness and involvement with people, particularly the children of his neighborhood. Ky recalls moments when he spontaneously gifted ice cream, illustrating the warm-hearted nature he was known for.
To honor Officer Lansing, flags throughout Ross County and at the Ohio Statehouse have been ordered to fly at half-staff by Governor Mike DeWine, who stated, “We ask you to keep Officer Lansing’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers at this devastating and tragic time.”
The prison where the incident occurred is now operating under “restricted movement” as the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates the murder. Lansing's colleagues have expressed their heartache and urgency for changes to be made. Christopher Mabe, President of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, emphasized the dire situation corrections officers face, stating, “It could have been averted. Needless loss of life.”
Mabe, like many others, sees the tragedy as more than just the loss of one officer but indicative of larger systemic issues within Ohio’s correctional facilities. He remarked on the growing fear felt by officers due to staffing shortages and unsafe conditions, saying, “People are tired. They’re afraid and they’re afraid of being sick and tired. This is one of those last straws.”
The demands from the union include immediate action from officials, calling for the director and warden of the Ross Correctional Institution to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. They assert the need for greater accountability and urgency for prison safety reforms.
The case has stirred widespread awareness and concern about the safety of prison staff across the country, with Lansing’s death serving as both a shocking reminder and a rallying point for advocates who are pushing for necessary changes.
Friends, family, and neighbors mourn the loss of Officer Lansing, recalling not just his years of service but the compassion he showed to those around him. “Rest in heaven, Andy,” reflected Ky, who emphasized the importance of remembering him as the great man he was.
Officer Andrew Lansing’s death is not just another statistic; it is the story of dedication, sacrifice, and the urgent need for reform within the correctional system. The community stands together, united by their loss and their hope for change.
