Arizona Lawmaker Wants Investigation Into Prison Violence Expanded

An Arizona lawmaker, State Representative Quang Nguyen, is hoping to expand his investigation into the Arizona Department of Corrections following a string of violent inmate deaths, including the April 4 triple homicide at the Tucson prison.

In a new letter sent Monday to ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell, Chairman Nguyen requests a wide range of documents, records, and internal communications—citing a disturbing pattern of violence, security failures, and possible ideological interference in prison management.

Chairman Nguyen’s letter follows an earlier demand for answers about how a notorious inmate—serving 16 life sentences for murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping—was able to murder three fellow prisoners in a single day. Additional concerns have since emerged, including a recent video published by the Arizona Republic showing inmates using improvised weapons to carry out assaults.

“The situation at ADCRR appears to be far worse than previously understood,” said Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Nguyen. “We’re no longer looking at a single failure. We are looking at a system in decline, marked by ineffective leadership, poor oversight, and questionable outside influence.”

Chairman Nguyen’s latest request includes:

• Records related to all inmate homicides since January 2024;
• Internal investigation reports related to those deaths;
• Policies and data on inmate access to contraband weapons and cell phones;
• All past versions of Department Orders on inmate classification, movement, and maximum custody;
• Emails and memos between ADCRR officials and the ACLU or its lobbying arm, Creosote Partners.

Nguyen also questioned whether advocacy groups have been allowed to shape internal policy in ways that undermine Arizona law or compromise safety.

The Department has until June 2 to produce the requested information.