Two Inmates Charged in Violent Attack on Iowa Prison Staff

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary, Dennis Lane Lawson and Anthony Sebastian Bauer, have been charged with attempted murder and possession of weapons in a correctional institution after they allegedly attacked and stabbed two prison counselors multiple times during a class. The assault continued until guards arrived to restrain the inmates.

Why it matters

Violent incidents involving inmates and prison staff are concerning and raise questions about safety and security measures within the corrections system. This case highlights the risks faced by prison employees and the need for robust protocols to prevent such attacks.

The details

According to court records, Lawson and Bauer, both serving sentences at the Iowa State Penitentiary, allegedly used makeshift knife-like weapons to stab the two counselors multiple times during a class they were conducting. The attack only stopped when prison guards arrived and were able to restrain the inmates.

• The incident occurred last month at the Iowa State Penitentiary.
• Preliminary hearings for Lawson and Bauer have been set for later this month.

What’s next

Preliminary hearings for Lawson and Bauer have been set for later this month, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges.