MS-13 gang members 'violently' kill K-9 protecting officer during Virginia prison assault

MS-13 gang members "violently" stabbed and kicked a K-9 to death while the dog was protecting his assigned officer and another inmate who was being assaulted at a prison in Virginia, officials said. 

Three inmates affiliated with MS-13 at Sussex I State Prison were "viciously" attacking another inmate on Tuesday as a fourth inmate seemingly oversaw the assault, the Virginia Department of Corrections said Wednesday. The four inmates involved in the assault are from El Salvador and Guatemala and were all illegally in the United States at the time they were arrested and convicted. At least three are verified MS-13 gang members.

Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields was on duty with her assigned K-9 Rivan and responded to the attack.

"Rivan was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates and later tragically died at the facility while VADOC staff attempted lifesaving measures," the corrections department also said. Phillip Fields, a 4-year department veteran trained in handling K-9s, did not sustain any serious injuries because of her training and Rivan’s protection.

The inmate who was attacked was treated at a local hospital for injuries and then returned to the facility.

The inmates involved in the assault had been incarcerated for multiple crimes, including murder, kidnapping, attempted rape, child pornography and more.

"Officer Phillip Fields has the agency’s full support during this difficult time and I personally wish her well in her recovery. The heroics she displayed during this brutal assault demonstrate her courage, her commitment to public safety, and her care for the safety of the inmate population. I thank her for her service to the Commonwealth," agency Director Chad Dotson said. 

Rivan was a Belgian Malinois who was set to turn 6 years old on April 30. He came from a line of service dogs, with his father having worked for a Southwest Virginia police department and his mother having worked for the Secret Service.

"The loss of Rivan is truly tragic, but it is important to remember he did not die in vain," he also said. "He lost his life while potentially saving the lives of two people, his assigned Officer and an inmate."

A memorial service will be held for the K-9.

An investigation is ongoing, but the corrections department said officials plan to pursue additional charges against the inmates to the "fullest extent of the law."

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