Shot Fired at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution Kills Inmate

The institution is currently on lockdown status and visiting is canceled until further notice.

Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) Photo: State of Oregon

(PENDLETON, Ore.) - Today, an Oregon Department of Corrections Correctional Officer fired a shot to prevent imminent serious bodily injury to an inmate being assaulted at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI).

Jayson Withers

The Correctional Officer fired the shot from a yard tower after two inmates who were assaulting a third inmate failed to disengage.

Inmate Jayson Matthew Withers was hit, transported to a local hospital, and was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:21 a.m. Next of kin has been notified.

The inmate who was being attacked was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

The third inmate is currently in disciplinary segregation at EOCI.

No other details or names are being released until authorized by the Umatilla County District Attorney.

Withers entered DOC custody on May 13, 2010, on three counts of robbery in the second degree, three counts of identity theft, and one count of negligent homicide out of Marion County. His earliest release date was Nov. 25, 2018.

Detectives from the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Division, in cooperation with the Umatilla County District Attorney's Office and DOC, are conducting an investigation.

EOCI is a medium-security prison located in Pendleton that houses approximately 1,600 men in custody. It provides a range of correctional services and programs, including education, treatment, mental health, and work opportunities.

Source: Oregon Dept. of Corrections