INMATES, FORMER CORRECTIONAL OFFICER FACE MURDER CHARGES IN INMATE DEATH

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating an inmate death at Elmore Correctional Facility, which has resulted in criminal charges.

On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, inmate Rubyn James Murray was involved in an incident outside his dorm with correctional officers resulting in a physical altercation with one of the officers. Both the officer and inmate Murray sustained minor injuries. Once the incident was under control, inmate Murray was taken to the back gate holding area to be transported to the Staton Health Care Unit (SHCU) for medical assessment and treatment. Before the transport could occur and in violation of ADOC policy, two other inmates gained access to the holding area. Inmate Murray was found unresponsive and was transported to SHCU and then to an area hospital for emergency treatment. Medical staff was unable to resuscitate inmate Murray and he was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.

Cause of death for inmate Murray is pending an autopsy and the conclusion of the investigation.

Based on evidence gathered so far, Correctional Sgt. Demarcus Sanders and inmates Fredrick Gooden and Stefranio Hampton have been charged with Murder. Sanders, who has resigned his position with ADOC, is being held at the Elmore County Detention Facility without bond. The inmates remain in ADOC custody. Further charges and personnel actions are pending.

Murray, 38 years old, was serving a 20-year sentence for Robbery I out of Montgomery County.

Gooden, 60 years old, is serving a 30-year sentence for Theft of Property II out of Jefferson County.

Hampton, 35 years old, is serving a life sentence for Robbery I out of Montgomery County.

The ADOC has already reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation — Mobile Field Office and the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office regarding this incident.