The deadly altercation that occurred at Ely State Prison on July 30, 2024, has shed light on the darker aspects of prison life. The incident, which started as a large fight between inmates, quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation, resulting in the loss of three lives.
According to the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office, the altercation began at around 9:40 a.m. local time, with deputies responding promptly to the detention center. However, prior to their arrival, the sheriff’s office had already received reports of multiple inmate fatalities and several others requiring medical attention.
Upon arrival, detectives and the local coroner discovered three inmates deceased, with authorities initially reporting nine other inmates injured in the fight. The injured inmates were transported to a local medical facility for treatment, with some being airlifted to hospitals via medical helicopter.
The Nevada Governor’s Office later confirmed that the fight was gang-related, with the sheriff’s office revealing that the three deceased inmates died from multiple sharp force injuries. The incident has raised concerns about gang activity within the prison system and the measures in place to prevent such violent confrontations.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) designated a new maximum-security prison, with High Desert State Prison in southern Nevada replacing Ely State Prison as the state’s maximum-security facility. This change aimed to ensure that high-risk offenders are housed in facilities with greater staffing levels and closer access to outside law enforcement and medical services.
The incident has also led to charges being filed against 20 defendants, including multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder with gang-related specifications. The charges reflect the state’s commitment to addressing gang violence within correctional facilities and ensuring accountability for those involved.
