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Bent County Coroner Identifies Two Inmates Killed in CoreCivic Prison Incident
Description: Two inmates have been identified following a deadly incident at Bent County Correctional Facility in Colorado. CDOC says investigation is ongoing...
Bent County Coroner Identifies Two Inmates Killed in CoreCivic Prison Incident
LAS ANIMAS, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) has confirmed that two inmates died and a third was hospitalized following a deadly incident at the Bent County Correctional Facility on the evening of June 6, 2026, prompting an ongoing investigation by the agency's Office of the Inspector General.
According to CDOC, there is no known threat to the public or surrounding communities, and no correctional staff members were injured during the incident.
Bent County Coroner Jason Nichols, has identified the two deceased inmates as Michael J. Fisher, 59, and Charles Gates, 27.
State corrections records show Fisher was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole stemming from an Adams County case. Records indicate he had been incarcerated since 1998.
The second inmate who died was identified as Charles Gates, 27.
Corrections records show Gates was serving multiple sentences connected to cases in Adams County and Douglas County. He had a projected parole eligibility date of April 28, 2026, according to prison records, with an estimated mandatory release date in 2032.
Both men were imprisoned at the Bent County Correctional Facility, operated by CoreCivic, at the time of their deaths.
The CDOC Office of the Inspector General is coordinating the investigation alongside local law enforcement and state officials. Authorities have not announced any arrests, disciplinary actions, or criminal charges related to the incident.
Bent County Correctional Facility operated by a private prison corporation, CoreCivic and is located near Las Animas, Colorado, and houses inmates under the supervision of the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Officials emphasized that the incident remains confined to the correctional facility and that residents in Bent County and surrounding areas face no known danger as the investigation proceeds.
CDOC confirmed that a third inmate was transported to an outside hospital for treatment. No staff members were injured.
The Colorado Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is leading the investigation.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published as it becomes available.
