Chillicothe, OH — New reports reveal that Rashawn Cannon, the inmate charged with the fatal beating of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing, had a troubling record of confrontations with multiple correctional officers during his time at the prison. Cannon has been incarcerated since 2023 on charges of felonious assault and possession of a weapon under disability.
According to officials from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), Cannon’s history includes aggressive behavior and numerous disciplinary infractions. He has received 11 misconduct reports since December 2023, documenting incidents of fighting, disobedience, and substance abuse, including possession of homemade alcohol and K2 a synthetic marijuana chemical that is soaked into paper and injested. In April, Officer Lansing reported Cannon’s threatening behavior during a phone call, raising concerns about his conduct.
OCSEA President Christopher Mabe has expressed serious concerns about systemic failures in the leadership and management of the DRC. In a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, Mabe called for the immediate placement of DRC Director Annette Chambers, and other relevant officials on administrative leave while investigations are conducted.
“Officer Lansing’s death underscores a failure to prioritize the safety of correctional staff,” Mabe stated. “This tragedy reflects a broader pattern of negligence that has endangered the lives of those serving in Ohio’s correctional institutions.”
Following Lansing’s death, Cannon was transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. Funeral services for Officer Andrew Lansing are scheduled for January 3 in Chillicothe, as the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant. The investigation into the incident continues, highlighting the urgent need for reform within the correctional system.
Correction officers from around the state have been refusing body cameras in an attempt to boycott and cause change within the department. With the inability to strike COs are attempting to come together to focus on these dangerous issues they deal with every day.
