News Release

MICHIGAN CITY – Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Robert Carter ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all IDOC facilities in honor of Lieutenant Eugene Lasco, who lost his life after a stabbing incident at Indiana State Prison.

Eugene Lasco

Padrick Schmitt

Furthermore, Gov. Eric Holcomb will direct flags to be flown at half-staff in LaPorte County on the day of Lt. Lasco’s services, per protocol.

“Lt. Eugene Lasco paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever indebted to his service to the State of Indiana. Lt. Lasco was well-known amongst his colleagues as a true team member, someone they could count on, and he proved that again on Sunday, when he rushed in to help a fellow correctional officer. His sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Carter said.

The incident happened at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, when Sergeant Padrick Schmitt was attacked and stabbed multiple times by an inmate. Lasco went to assist Sgt. Schmitt, and the offender stabbed Lt. Lasco.

Tymetri Campbell

Both staffers were taken to Franciscan Hospital. Lasco succumbed to his injuries and died at Franciscan Hospital.

Indiana State Police is investigating and has said offender Tymetri Campbell, 38, faces several preliminary charges, including murder, as a result of this investigation.

In 2004, Campbell was sentenced to 130 years in prison on three murder convictions from Marion County.

The death investigation is being conducted by the IDoC Office of Investigations and Intelligence and ISP. An autopsy is being conducted. Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.

Lasco, 57, began his career with the Indiana State Prison on Oct. 19, 2009.  During his career, Lt. Lasco was a locksmith and was a former member of the emergency squad. He served on the Technical Response Team for Safety Hazmat. Lt. Lasco received multiple accolades for his service to DOC. Lt. Lasco resided in LaPorte County.

Schmitt, 22, began his career at the Indiana State Prison on Dec. 5, 2016.  Sgt. Schmitt resides in Lake Station. He was recently promoted to Correctional Sergeant on Feb. 7.

The last time an inmate attacked and killed a corrections officer was on Dec. 13, 1994. Phillip Curry was stabbed and killed by an offender at Indiana State Prison.