Inmate in deadly attack of corrections officer was serving nearly 12 years for three offenses

GRAYSON COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The inmate involved in a deadly attack on a corrections officer at River North Correctional Center is a 32-year-old serving nearly 12 years for different offenses, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC).

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, VADOC identified the inmate who reportedly carried out a "violent attack" that led to the death of Jeremy Lewis Hall, a 40-year-old corrections officer at River North Correctional Center on Nov. 17, as 32-year-old John Holoman Russell.

A department spokesperson said Russell was serving a total sentence of 11 years and 11 months for the following:

• Fifteen years with 8 years and 1 month suspended for a carjacking offense that reportedly occurred on May 9, 2017, in Fairfax County
• Three years for use of a firearm in commission of a felony offense for the same above offense
• And 4 years and 8 months with 2 years and 8 months suspended for a shoplifting offense that reportedly occurred on Nov. 15, 2016, in Albemarle County

Two additional officers were reportedly treated at a local hospital following the attack and have both been released, according to the department.

A VADOC spokesperson confirmed that this is the first instance of a corrections officer dying following an inmate attack in 50 years. The last such incident occurred on March 24, 1975, at the now-closed Southampton Correctional Center.

Following the attack, the department said it activated its Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team and coordinated with the multiple assistance programs to provide emotional and psychological support on-site and via telephone. 

Personnel from the department's Office of Human Resources also arrived at River North Correctional Center and were working closely with Hall’s family to assist with survivor benefits and connect them to additional resources.

Additionally, a department spokesperson said personnel from various VADOC units across the agency have been present at the facility or have offered support remotely.