Buckeye, Arizona, December 29, 2025
Joshua Walker, a 41-year-old inmate, died following a cellmate altercation at the ASPC-Lewis facility in Buckeye. The Arizona Department of Corrections is investigating the incident as a homicide as part of broader concerns regarding violence in state prisons, which has seen an increase in deaths this past year.
Buckeye, Arizona
An inmate identified as Joshua Walker, 41, died on December 27, 2025, at the ASPC-Lewis facility in Buckeye following an altercation with his cellmate. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) confirmed the death, which is currently being investigated as a homicide.
Investigation Underway in Recent Inmate Death
Preliminary information from ADCRR indicates that Walker’s death occurred after an altercation with another prisoner at the state prison complex. Authorities are treating the incident as a homicide, launching a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s death. Joshua Walker had been admitted to ADCRR custody in 2021, serving a sentence for second-degree murder.
Following any inmate death within its facilities, the ADCRR adheres to strict protocols to ensure a thorough investigation. Upon confirmation of an inmate’s death by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or registered nurse, the warden or a designated official is required to immediately notify the local Department Criminal Investigations Unit. The Criminal Investigations Unit then takes charge, conducting an inquiry into the cause and manner of death, and subsequently notifying the Medical Examiner. The area where the death occurred, such as the inmate’s cell or the location of the body, is secured and treated as a crime scene until released by the Criminal Investigations Unit to preserve potential evidence.
The ADCRR also initiates the process of notifying the deceased inmate’s next of kin. This crucial step is coordinated through the Central Office Communications Center in conjunction with the warden or their designee. Comprehensive Significant Incident Reports are compiled and submitted, with the final report often awaiting the completion of next-of-kin notifications.
Broader Context of Violence in Arizona Prisons
This incident in Buckeye is not an isolated event within Arizona’s correctional system, which has faced a series of serious incidents involving inmate altercations and deaths over the past year. On April 4, 2025, three inmates died following an altercation at a Tucson prison, an event that drew significant attention. Investigations into that incident revealed that one inmate, Ricky Wassenaar, allegedly killed his cellmate and two other individuals.
Just days later, on April 12, 2025, another inmate, Daniel Montoya, was killed at the Lewis Prison in Buckeye, with his death officially ruled a homicide. This particular incident marked the fourth prison murder in Arizona within an eight-day span, highlighting a period of heightened concern regarding inmate safety.
More recently in December 2025, two other inmates died following altercations that appear to be gang-related. On December 16, 2025, Jacob Major, 43, died at a local hospital after being attacked by several inmates at the Lewis facility in Buckeye on December 14. His death is also being investigated as a homicide. Additionally, on December 11, 2025, Leron Indian, 50, died after an alleged attack at the state prison in Yuma.
Another incident earlier in the year saw the death of Indalecio Garcia, 31, at ASPC-Lewis on June 24, 2025, also suspected to be a murder. This contributed to a total of 11 homicides within Arizona prisons that year, a notable increase compared to the typical annual average of two. Such statistics underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the ADCRR in maintaining security and preventing violence within its facilities across the state.
ADCRR’s Commitment to Safety and Regulations
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry is responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates within the state’s correctional system. The department maintains a comprehensive set of written rules governing inmate conduct, along with clear procedures for addressing violations and imposing penalties. These rules are designed to align with the state’s criminal code as much as possible, providing a structured disciplinary process.
Any violation of a department rule that also constitutes a criminal offense may lead to the disciplinary case being referred to the appropriate court or law enforcement agency for potential prosecution. In cases involving altercations or other rule violations, investigations are typically initiated by a Disciplinary Coordinator within 24 hours of receiving an Inmate Disciplinary Report, ensuring a timely response to incidents of misconduct.
ADCRR continually emphasizes its commitment to safety for both inmates and staff, while working to uphold correctional practices and legal requirements. Ongoing evaluations of security measures and inmate management strategies are part of the department’s efforts to mitigate violence and improve the overall safety within Arizona’s prison system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at the Buckeye prison recently?
An inmate, Joshua Walker, 41, died on December 27, 2025, at the ASPC-Lewis facility in Buckeye following an altercation with his cellmate.
Who confirmed the inmate’s death?
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) confirmed the death.
Is the inmate’s death being investigated?
Yes, the death of Joshua Walker is currently being investigated as a homicide.
What was the deceased inmate imprisoned for?
Joshua Walker was imprisoned for second-degree murder and was admitted to ADCRR custody in 2021.
What are the standard ADCRR procedures following an inmate death?
Standard procedures include confirmation of death by a licensed medical professional, immediate notification of the Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit, investigation into the cause and manner of death, notification of the Medical Examiner, treating the scene as a crime scene, and notifying the next of kin.
Have there been other similar incidents in Arizona prisons?
Yes, there have been several other serious incidents, including three inmates dying at a Tucson prison on April 4, 2025, and Daniel Montoya being killed at Lewis Prison in Buckeye on April 12, 2025. Other recent deaths include Jacob Major and Leron Indian in December 2025, and Indalecio Garcia in June 2025.
How many prison homicides occurred in Arizona in 2025?
In 2025, there were 11 homicides within Arizona prisons, which is a significant increase compared to the typical annual average of two.
Key Features of Inmate Death Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased Inmate’s Name | Joshua Walker | State-level |
| Age of Inmate | 41 | State-level |
| Date of Death | December 27, 2025 | State-level |
| Location of Incident | ASPC-Lewis facility, Buckeye, Arizona | State-level |
| Cause of Death (Preliminary) | Altercation with cellmate | State-level |
| Investigation Status | Homicide investigation underway | State-level |
| Confirmed by | Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) | State-level |
| Previous Conviction | Second-degree murder (admitted 2021) | State-level |
| Related Incidents in 2025 (State-level) | Multiple inmate deaths including April 4 (Tucson), April 12 (Buckeye), Dec 11 (Yuma), Dec 16 (Buckeye), June 24 (Buckeye) | State-level |
| 2025 Arizona Prison Homicides | 11 (compared to typical annual average of 2) | State-level |
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