Virginia DOC names inmate accused of killing Southwest Virginia corrections officer

A report from the Department of Corrections says a Fairfax County thief is responsible for the death of Southwest Virginia corrections officer Jeremy Hall.

The convict was identified as John Russell, 32, who will ultimately be charged with Hall’s murder by the Grayson County state prosecutor.

Russell has been locked up at the North River Correctional Center in Independence since his convictions for carjacking, shoplifting and a weapon charge. A DOC report said Russell attacked Hall and two other officers who were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Hall, 40, began working at North River one year ago, according to DOC information. Data posted on the DOC inmate locator page says Russell is now being housed at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County.

“The Virginia Department of Corrections will never stop saying Officer Jeremy Hall’s name, and the people of Virginia should never forget him,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson in a prepared statement issued Tuesday. “As our agency and our public safety heroes at River North Correctional Center continue to process this unspeakable tragedy, please continue to keep Officer Hall’s family and friends in your hearts and minds.”

(IMAGE: Property of Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office / Mugshot of John Russell dated 2017)