Ricky Wassenaar, Notorious for 2004 Hostage Standoff, Now Accused of Killing Inmates

A man already serving 16 life sentences in Arizona is now suspected of killing three other inmates at the Tucson prison where he’s being held.

Ricky Wassenaar, who became known for his role in a major prison standoff back in 2004, is believed to have attacked the three men during an altercation on Friday inside the Cimarron Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex in Tucson.

The Arizona Department of Corrections said Wassenaar is the only suspect and that early findings show he intended to harm the three men. The exact cause of death for the inmates hasn’t been shared yet, and the case is still being investigated.

The inmates who died were identified as:

• Saul Alvarez, serving time for first-degree murder
  
• Thorne Harnage, convicted of sexual conduct with a minor
  
• Donald Lashley, convicted of molestation and sexual conduct with a minor
  

Wassenaar has been in prison for years. In 2005, he was given 16 life sentences for his part in a 15-day hostage standoff at another Arizona prison, where he and another inmate held two guards hostage using homemade weapons.

At the time, Wassenaar was already serving time for armed robbery and assault.

Officials say the situation at the Tucson prison is now under control and there is no ongoing threat. The prison’s internal affairs team is leading the investigation and said more information will be shared as it becomes available.