Press Releases
Geoffrey Howe, a maintenance mechanic for Pasquotank Correctional Institution, passed away Thursday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital from injuries suffered during a failed inmate escape attempt on Oct. 12.
“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Howe family,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “This tragedy has horribly impacted the lives of four families, as well as co-workers and friends.”
Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon passed away Monday evening at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital from injuries suffered during an inmate escape attempt Oct. 12 at Pasquotank Correctional Institution.
“We mourn the loss of our colleague Correctional Officer Shannon,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Shannon family during this difficult time.”
Today, Governor Roy Cooper released the following statement on the passing of Pasquotank Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon:
"I'm deeply saddened that this brutal attack has taken the life of Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon who was doing her job protecting the public. Our hearts go out to the victim, her family, friends and coworkers. Prisons and their employees help keep our communities safe, and I've directed state prison officials to take the necessary steps to improve prison safety."
Cleanup and damage assessment work continues in several western North Carolina counties after Monday’s strong storms and tornadoes.
One person died this morning during that cleanup work. A 31-year-old tree service contractor for a utility company was killed early Wednesday morning while working to clear a tree from a power line in Alexander County. The worker was crushed when the tree snapped back and fell on him.
A line of strong storms moved across North Carolina Monday afternoon and evening devastating a regional airport, damaging dozens of homes, toppling trees, closing roads and leaving several western North Carolina communities without power.
“While this band of storms brought high wind, rains and some damage, we’re fortunate that we’ve had no reports of serious injuries or loss of life,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Today, communities are surveying the damage and beginning the cleanup, and our state experts stand ready to help however needed.”
WHAT: Correction Enterprises Manager Veronica Darden and Correctional Officer Justin Smith’s Memorial Services
WHERE: Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium
Burnim Fine Arts Center
Elizabeth City State University
Fine Arts Way, Elizabeth City, NC
(*Media staging area next to the Thorpe Administration Building, Administration Way)
The Department of Public Safety is taking more action to make prisons safer following a violent attack at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City that claimed the lives of two prison employees on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Following the Friday, Oct. 13 meeting with Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary Erik A. Hooks and state prison leaders, DPS immediately implemented prison safety action items. Today, at Secretary Hooks’ direction, more actions are being taken.
WHAT: Correction Enterprises Manager Veronica Darden and Correctional Officer Justin Smith’s Memorial Services
WHERE: Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium
Burnim Fine Arts Center
Elizabeth City State University
Fine Arts Way, Elizabeth City, NC
*Two media staging areas have been established:
Death row inmate Terry Ball, 59, died this morning of natural causes at Central Prison.
Ball was convicted in Beaufort County and sentenced to death in February 1994 for first-degree murder of Laura Krantz. He was also convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, two counts of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, and first-degree burglary.
Correctional Officer George Midgett, who was injured in the Oct. 12 failed inmate escape attempt at Pasquotank Correctional Institution, was released from Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Tuesday night.