Tennessee Inmate Indicted in Fatal Ambush Killing of Corrections Officer

MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. — A Tennessee inmate has been indicted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a correctional officer at the Morgan County Correctional Complex, a violent attack that authorities say unfolded during routine overnight security checks earlier this year.

A Morgan County grand jury indicted Reginald Steed on charges of first-degree murder and possession of a weapon in a penal institution in the death of Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo.

According to investigators, the attack happened on February 24, 2026, while Officer Pedigo was conducting standard rounds inside the facility.

Authorities allege Steed was able to leave his cell after exploiting a malfunctioning or compromised locking mechanism, allowing him to move through the unit undetected before ambushing the officer.

Officials say Pedigo was attacked suddenly and suffered multiple stab wounds during the incident. He was later pronounced dead, and the prison was immediately placed on lockdown as staff secured the facility and launched an internal response.

Steed, who was already serving a lengthy sentence for prior violent offenses, was transferred to another high-security facility following the killing. Prosecutors have since indicated they intend to seek the death penalty, citing the severity of the crime and the fact that it was committed against a correctional officer while the defendant was already incarcerated.

The indictment follows months of investigation by the Tennessee Department of Correction and state authorities. During grand jury proceedings, testimony reportedly focused not only on the attack itself but also on broader concerns about security conditions at the prison, including issues involving cell door locks and facility infrastructure that may have contributed to the incident.

The case has drawn attention from state lawmakers, who have questioned whether the attack could have been prevented if known security issues had been addressed earlier.

Steed is expected to face trial in Morgan County as prosecutors prepare their case. No trial date has been set.

The investigation remains ongoing.