A Virginia Department of Corrections K-9 was killed by inmates at Sussex I State Prison on April 3 when the dog was defending a corrections officer, staff, and inmates during an assault in a housing unit, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
In an April 3 press release, the Department of Corrections said the April 2 incident began in one of the housing units when three inmates affiliated with the Salvadoran gang MS-13 “viciously attacked another inmate” while a fourth inmate “supervised” the attack.
Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields was patrolling the area with K-9 Rivan, a Belgian Malinois. She and Rivan responded to stop the attack and when the dog intervened, the inmates repeatedly kicked and stabbed him. Despite receiving medical treatment on-site, Rivan died of his injuries.
The inmate who was assaulted was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and later returned to the facility, the press release said.
According to Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chadwick Dotson, because of Rivan’s “courageous actions” and Officer Fields’ training, the corrections officer avoided serious injury.
Dotson described Rivan’s death as “truly tragic” but added that the K-9 “did not die in vain.” He said the dog gave his life to protect the lives of two people, adding that his sacrifice would never be forgotten.
According to corrections officials, the four inmates are from Guatemala and El Salvador. At least three are “verified members of MS-13.” The inmates were serving time for various crimes, including first-degree homicide, kidnapping, drug charges, attempted rape, and child pornography charges.
Director Dotson said the Department of Corrections intended to prosecute the four inmates for the April 2 assault.
Rivan joined the Department of Corrections in 2019 and would have turned 6 at the end of the month.
A memorial service for the K-9 was held on April 11.
