During debate of a $652 million appropriation for several departments covered by the justice systems appropriation, Democrats offered an amendment to address working conditions in Iowa prisons, where a correctional officer and nurse were murdered by inmates March 23, 2021.
The family of a correctional officer who was killed by two inmates at Anamosa State Penitentiary last year, helped introduce two bills in the Iowa Legislature that would give correctional workers more rights and provide for their families in the event of their death.
Corrections Director Beth Skinner is seeking a $407.7 million general fund budget for the coming fiscal year, which, if approved, would be an increase from nearly $387 million in each of the previous two budget years.
The Gazette did a Q&A with prison officials after a seven-month security review by an outside consultant. The public got to see a four-page summary of the 134-page report.
A seven-month security review of Iowa’s prison system shows overcrowding and challenges recruiting and retaining staff create potential security risks in Iowa’s nine prisons.
Michael Dutcher pleaded guilty to all charges in the bludgeoning of a correctional officer and registered nurse at Anamosa State Penitentiary. He was sentenced to two life prison sentences and another 50 years for other charges.
Michael A. Dutcher’s plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Jones County Courthouse in Anamosa.
Michael A. Dutcher, 28, previously said he would plead the slayings were in self-defense or defense of others, but court filings this week show he plans to plead guilty to charges of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping and attempted murder.
Eleven family members gave heart wrenching victim impact statements about their loved ones — correctional officer Robert McFarland and nurse Lorena Schulte — during sentencing for Anamosa inmate, Thomas Woodard.
Live video plus tweets from reporter Trish Mehaffey, who is in Jones County District Court for the sentencing hearing of Thomas Woodard. Earlier this month, Woodard pleaded guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, and one count each of attempted murder and second-degree kidnapping for the March attacks on correctional officer Robert McFarland and prison nurse Lorena Schulte.
Anamosa inmate, Thomas Woodard, pleaded guilty to two first-degree murder charges, and one each of attempted murder and second-degree kidnapping. He faces two life sentences without chance for parole.
Thomas Allen Woodard, 39, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping and attempted murder.
One of the Anamosa inmates, Thomas Allen Woodard, charged in bludgeoning a correctional officer and registered nurse in March, will plead Friday in Jones County.
An Anamosa prison inmate, charged with killing a prison officer and registered nurse, will not have a bench trial next week. He waived his speedy trial right Thursday and wants its reset to a later date.
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