Rare Shooting in Federal Prison Leaves Illinois Inmate Dead
The Coleman Federal Prison in Coleman, Florida, in 2010 (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
An Illinois inmate was shot and killed earlier this month at a high-security federal prison in Florida — an exceptionally rare incident, as guards inside federal penitentiaries are typically unarmed.
The fatal shooting took place on October 10 at U.S. Penitentiary Coleman I, located northwest of Orlando. The victim, 33-year-old Dwayne Tottleben, was serving a 15-year sentence for methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute.
According to NBC News, Tottleben’s family and friends say they have received no explanation from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) regarding the shooting. The agency has not released a statement or responded to media inquiries, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Tottleben’s next of kin, Donna Ford, said she spoke with him earlier that same day and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. She later received a brief phone call from prison officials that night informing her of his death. His father said the family was left in the dark about the circumstances and learned only from the local medical examiner that his son had died from a gunshot wound.
Under standard Bureau of Prisons policy, guards are not permitted to carry firearms inside correctional facilities except in limited situations — such as when transporting inmates or manning perimeter security posts — and only with the warden’s authorization. The policy also states that deadly force is to be used solely as a last resort when an imminent threat is present.
A prison spokesperson confirmed to NBC News that Coleman I was placed on “enhanced modified operations” beginning October 10, explaining that “wardens may establish controls or implement temporary security measures to ensure the good order and security of their institution, as well as ensure the safety of employees and individuals in custody.”
Officials have not said what led to the shooting or whether any staff members are under investigation. The case remains under review as federal authorities continue to withhold further details during the shutdown.
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