RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Corrections has confirmed two inmates died at correctional facilities within four days of each other last week.
The first death was Steven Foster, who died on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the Lawrenceville Correctional Center. That is the second death at the correctional facility this month.
Lawrenceville Correctional Center is Virginia’s only privatized prison and is operated by The GEO Group, Inc.
The GEO Group released a statement saying, “While we can confirm that on August 10, an inmate at the Lawrenceville Correctional Center tragically passed away, the cause of death is currently under investigation. We express our condolences to his family and loved ones. We take the safety of those in our care with the utmost seriousness and can also confirm that the individual received prompt medical care, in accordance with the standards set by the Virginia Department of Corrections and the American Correctional Association.”
Earlier this month, a Lawrenceville inmate was killed in what investigators suspect was a homicide. “We can also confirm that on August 3, an incident occurred at the Center resulting in the tragic loss of an inmate, and we express our condolences to his family and loved ones as well,” The GEO Group said in their statement.
The second inmate to die in the four day time period was Khepri-Ra Ankhnaton Bey who died at Augusta Correctional Center on Friday, Aug. 13.
The VADOC said the cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s office in both cases.
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
