Rhonda Russell Cause of Death: ALTOONA, PA., – 47-year-old Corrections Officer Rhonda Jean Russell, Blair County Prison, Pennsylvania died on Wednesday after she was shot during a struggle for her gun at Altoona’s Central Court building.
At 3:15 p.m., a prisoner stole a firearm from Blair County Prison Correctional Officer Rhonda Russell at the Central Court building on 615 Fourth Street in Altoona. According to reports, the altercation between Officer Russell and the suspect was witnessed by an Altoona police officer who was present in the courthouse. The officer fired a shot at the suspect, but the bullet struck Officer Russell.
Officer Russell was rushed to UPMC Altoona, where she was later pronounced dead from her gunshot injuries. The prisoner who attacked Officer Russell was charged with criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide, kidnapping, and other related offences. Officer Russell’s three sons and parents survive her.
“Another fallen #Hero, Blair County Correction Officer Rhonda Russell was shot and killed after a struggle for her firearm at the holding area of the Central Court building in Altoona, PA. Pray for Officer Russell’s three sons, parents, friends and Blair County Correction.”
“We send our sympathy to the family and friends of Corrections Officer Rhonda Russell of the Blair County Prison (PA) EOW 11/17/2021. Officer Russell was inadvertently shot by another officer after an inmate disarmed her inside the Blair County Courthouse. May she rest in peace.”
“@CBP offers our deepest condolences to Blair County (PA) Prison personnel on the tragic loss of Corrections Officer Rhonda Jean Russell. Thank you, Officer Russell, for your service. #LODD #EOW,”
” In honor of Blair County Correctional Officer Rhonda Russell, who was killed after an Altoona court shooting on Wednesday, Gov. Wolf is ordering for the commonwealth flag to fly at half-staff effective immediately.”
We are yet to confirm details for the obituary and funeral arrangements of Rhonda Russell. We ask that the privacy of the family be respected until details are made public.