WARTBURG, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Prosecutors in East Tennessee are pursuing the death penalty against an inmate accused of murdering a correctional officer while in custody.
District Attorney General Russell Johnson announced Thursday that his office has filed a formal notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Reginald Steed. The announcement came during Steed’s arraignment in Morgan County.
Steed is charged in the death of Corrections Officer Dustin Pedigo, who was fatally stabbed while Steed was being held at a state facility.
In explaining the decision, Johnson cited several factors under Tennessee law, including that Steed had at least one prior felony conviction and that the alleged murder took place while he was in custody. The district attorney also noted that the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
At the same time, authorities are continuing to investigate how the incident occurred. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining potential security concerns, particularly issues involving cell door locks.
According to a statement from Johnson’s office, investigators are also reviewing reports that Steed had made prior threats against Tennessee Department of Correction personnel. Those threats were allegedly communicated through letters, phone calls, and interviews before the attack.
The investigation is also looking into claims of witness intimidation and possible retaliation concerns among corrections staff. Officials say some employees with knowledge of earlier warnings may have been hesitant to come forward.
The case comes amid broader scrutiny of Tennessee’s correctional system and follows a recent failed execution attempt involving death row inmate Tony Carruthers in late May.
Steed remains in custody as the case moves forward through the court system.
