The Bent County Coroner’s Office has identified the two deceased individuals as Charles Gates and Michael Fisher. Gates was serving a 9-year sentence for various crimes, including aggravated motor vehicle theft and distribution of fentanyl. Fisher was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder and robbery.

Investigation Underway

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) has initiated an investigation into the incident, which also left a third incarcerated individual injured. The CDOC has stated that the safety and security of its staff and those in its custody are its highest priority.

Visitation was temporarily suspended statewide following the incident but has since resumed at all CDOC facilities, except for the Bent County Correctional Facility, which remains on secure lockdown status. The lead investigative agency is the CDOC Office of the Inspector General, and the case file will be submitted to the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.