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Two Iowa inmates charged with trying to kill two prison employees
If convicted, each faces up to 60 years in prison
Feb. 6, 2026 2:13 pm
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FORT MADISON — Two Iowa prison inmates have been charged with attempted murder and another felony offense for assaulting two Iowa Department of Corrections employees in January, according to authorities.
The felony charges were filed Friday by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation against Dennis Lawson, 29, and Anthony Bauer, 23. Both are inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. The assault happened Jan. 21.
Lawson and Bauer are each charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of weapons in a correctional institution. If convicted, each face up to 60 years on all charges.
The custody of Lawson and Bauer has been managed in accordance with established DOC procedures, according to the news release.
The injured employees were treated at a hospital and have been released.
The DCI was assisted in the investigation by the DOC, Lee County Attorney’s Office and the Fort Madison Police Department.
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