Inmate Will Stand Trial For 2025 Prison Murders
Ricky Wassenaar faces capital murder charges for the deaths of three fellow prisoners in Tucson.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Criminal Justice
An Arizona inmate will stand trial in 2028 for the 2025 murders of three fellow prisoners at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson. Prosecutors are currently seeking the death penalty against the suspect, Ricky Wassenaar.
Why it matters
The case highlights systemic safety concerns within state correctional facilities as authorities move to prosecute a triple homicide committed by an inmate already serving multiple life sentences. The death penalty request adds significant legal gravity to the upcoming proceedings.
Ricky Wassenaar, who is currently serving 16 consecutive life sentences, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of three prisoners. Trial proceedings are scheduled to run from January 25, 2028, through March 27, 2028.
The players
Ricky Wassenaar
The defendant is a long-term inmate currently serving 16 consecutive life sentences following a 2004 hostage standoff.
Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry
This state agency oversees the operation of correctional facilities, including the Cimarron Unit in Tucson where the incident occurred.
The details
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry identified Ricky Wassenaar as the sole suspect in the deaths of Saul Alvarez, Thorne Harnage, and Donald Lashley. The incident occurred at the Cimarron Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson.
Timeline
The defendant was involved in a 15-day hostage standoff in 2004.
Donald Lashley entered state custody in 2023.
Thorne Harnage entered state custody in 2024.
The three victims were killed in 2025.
The trial for Ricky Wassenaar is scheduled to begin on January 25, 2028.
Legal Context
The trial represents a new legal development following the defendant's previous involvement in the 2004 hostage standoff at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis. This case is being monitored for how it handles capital punishment requests for individuals already serving life sentences.
Residents of Tucson may see increased judicial resources directed toward the local state prison facility during the trial period. No specific security advisories for the general public have been issued regarding the incarcerated defendant.
The takeaway
This case underscores the intense legal and security challenges associated with managing high-risk offenders in long-term state custody. It serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in pursuing capital punishment for inmates who are already serving life terms.
What happens next
The trial is formally scheduled to commence on January 25, 2028, with proceedings expected to conclude on March 27, 2028.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing legal proceedings, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBMA.
