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Bluefield Today
By the People, for the People
Mount Olive Inmate Sentenced to Life for Killing Fellow Prisoner
Inmate pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for fatal assault on cellmate
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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A 56-year-old inmate at Mount Olive Correctional Complex in West Virginia has been sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of a fellow prisoner. Paul D. Thompson pleaded guilty to the March 2025 fatal assault, which he said was in response to the victim making sexual advances toward him.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of violence and safety concerns within the U.S. prison system, where inmates can face serious threats from fellow prisoners. It also raises questions about the mental health and rehabilitation programs available to incarcerated individuals.
The details
According to prosecutors, on March 6, 2025, Thompson fatally assaulted a fellow inmate at Mount Olive Correctional Complex using an improvised weapon following a disagreement between the two inmates. Thompson confessed to the attack, telling authorities it was in response to the victim making sexual advances toward him. The victim sustained severe head injuries, including skull fractures, and the death was ruled a homicide by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
- On March 6, 2025, Thompson allegedly fatally assaulted a fellow inmate.
- On February 10, 2026, Thompson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
The players
Paul D. Thompson
A 56-year-old inmate at Mount Olive Correctional Complex who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the fatal assault of a fellow prisoner.
Thomas K. Fast
The Chief Circuit Judge who sentenced Thompson to life in prison.
Anthony Ciliberti, Jr.
The Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney who oversaw the case against Thompson.
Sarah F. Smith
An Assistant Prosecuting Attorney who prosecuted the case against Thompson.
Ethan Z. Brogan
An Assistant Prosecuting Attorney who prosecuted the case against Thompson.
What’s next
The judge's decision to sentence Thompson to life in prison without the possibility of parole means he will spend the rest of his life incarcerated.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the need for improved mental health resources, rehabilitation programs, and safety measures within the U.S. prison system to protect both inmates and staff from violence.