“Three Inmate Homicides at Mansfield Correctional Institution: Jamie Marcum, Donald Craig III, and James Johnson”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Title: Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigates Three Homicides at Mansfield Correctional Institution in 2023

Introduction:
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently conducting investigations into three open homicide cases at the Mansfield Correctional Institution. These incidents, which occurred in 2023, have raised concerns about inmate safety and security within the facility. Sgt. Ryan Purpura, from the public affairs unit of the patrol, confirmed the ongoing investigations.

Inmate Deaths: June 2, Dec. 6, and Dec. 8:
Within a span of just over six months, three inmates lost their lives at the Mansfield Correctional Institution. The deaths, which took place on June 2, Dec. 6, and Dec. 8, are being treated as homicides and are currently under investigation.

Victims Identified:
The victims have been identified as Jamie Marcum from Greenfield, who died on Dec. 8 at an undisclosed hospital outside Richland County, Donald Craig III, aged 42, who passed away on Dec. 6 following an incident on Nov. 18, and James Johnson, aged 51, from Columbus, who was found dead in his prison cell on June 2. Sgt. Purpura provided this information regarding the victims.

Cause of death:
Dr. Mary Goolsby, a forensic pathologist and deputy coroner at the Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office, performed the autopsy on James Johnson. According to Dr. Goolsby’s report, Johnson’s death was caused by “Blunt Force injuries of the head.” This revelation adds to the gravity of the ongoing investigations.

Incident Summary:
Sgt. Ryan Purpura shared an incident summary regarding Jamie Marcum’s death. The summary, heavily redacted, was emailed to the News Journal. The incident, which occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, involved an assault in housing unit 2D. One inmate was transported to an outside medical facility with serious injuries and later passed away on Dec. 8, 2023.

ODRC’s Response:
Responding to inquiries about staffing at the Mansfield Correctional Institution, JoEllen Smith, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC), stated that all required posts are adequately staffed at the facility. Smith emphasized that the incidents appear to be unrelated altercations and did not involve weapons.

Inmate Monitoring and Privacy Concerns:
Smith further explained that there are no cameras inside the cells due to privacy concerns and the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. However, efforts are made to reduce violence by classifying individuals according to their security level and proactively identifying potential issues. When incidents do occur, they are taken seriously and jointly investigated by the prison and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Inmate Profiles:
David J. Robinson, the warden’s administrative assistant at Mansfield Correctional Institution, confirmed that the death of Jamie Marcum is currently under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Sgt. Purpura stated that no charges have been filed as the case remains under investigation.

Inmate Jamie Marcum’s Background:
Jamie Marcum, aged 44, was indicted on a fourth-degree felony charge in December. The indictment alleged that Marcum caused physical harm to a Greenfield police officer. He had been serving a 14-month prison term since May 2023 and was scheduled for release on Jan. 5, 2024, according to The Highland County Press.

James Johnson’s Background:
James Johnson had been incarcerated since Oct. 2, 2020, for aggravated burglary, felonious assault, and weapons under disability related to a crime committed in Franklin County. He was expected to be considered for parole on Oct. 19 but tragically lost his life on June 2, 2023, at Mansfield Correctional Institution.

Donald Craig III’s Case:
Details regarding Donald Craig III’s case are forthcoming from Sgt. Purpura, bringing more insight into the ongoing investigations.

Conclusion:
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is diligently investigating three homicide cases at the Mansfield Correctional Institution that occurred in 2023. The deaths of Jamie Marcum, Donald Craig III, and James Johnson have raised concerns about inmate safety and have prompted a thorough examination of security measures within the facility. The ODRC is committed to addressing these incidents and ensuring the well-being of incarcerated individuals..