Bryant Wilson, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan in Waymart, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a prohibited weapon in prison. The conviction followed a two-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the incident occurred on November 28, 2021. Wilson was walking inside a housing unit when another inmate started a fight with him. During the altercation, Wilson took out a seven-inch shank from his pocket and attacked the other inmate. Over about one minute, Wilson stabbed the other inmate at least 15 times in the upper body, which caused severe injuries to vital organs. The injured inmate died within minutes due to sharp force injuries.
Wilson stated that he acted in self-defense during the incident. However, video footage from the prison showed Wilson chasing and stabbing the other inmate several times while the latter tried to escape.
The investigation into this case was conducted by officials from the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle A. Moreno and Gerard T. Donahue led the prosecution.
Wilson faces up to twenty years in prison following his conviction. Sentencing will be determined by the judge after considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
