By C1 Staff
TECUMSEH, Neb. — Investigators are seeking the cause of a prison riot that broke out on Sunday at the Tecumseh State Prison, leaving two inmates dead and several staffers injured.
The Independent reports that all staff were accounted for after the riot and that there is no risk to the public.
The names of the inmates who died were released: Donald Peacock, 46, serving time for sexual assault on a child; and Shon Collins, 46, serving time for sexual assault of a child. Their next of kin has been notified.
Four other inmates came away with non-life-threatening injuries after the riot. Two staff members who were injured were back on duty by Monday.
The incident started Sunday when a group of inmates took control of some areas of the prison. Prison staff were able to secure the prison on Monday.
A retired Lincoln firefighter, Steve Bates, who lives near the prison, says he wasn’t surprised by the incident.
“You knew it was going to happen eventually,” Bates said.
The facility has recently been plagued by recruiting and retention problems in staffing, which officials blame on its rural location.
The correctional officers’ union has been concerned about problems breaking out after a disturbance Saturday at the State Penitentiary in Lincoln.
Nebraska has been grappling with chronic overcrowding in its state prisons, which are holding 59 percent over capacity. Tecumseh has experienced overcrowding, but less so than other facilities.