Oklahoma Inmate Killed, 3 Wounded After State Prison Fight

A 29-year-old inmate serving life in prison for a 2006 Muskogee County murder is dead after a fight at the prison in Stringtown late Wednesday, according to state officials.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections says Gregory Smith was among four inmates who began fighting with homemade knives at about 9:30 p.m.  They said the disturbance took place in a day room of the Mack Alford Correctional Center where 52 inmates are being held due to overcrowding.

The DOC says the incident only lasted a few minutes before correctional officers were able to quell the situation. 

"We have launched a full-scale investigation into the situation and will continue to search for motives that lead to this incident," Corrections Director Joe M. Allbaugh said.

"It's an unfortunate situation when someone loses their life to senseless violence. We will ensure the proper measures are taken to better manage these situations in the future."

The other three inmates, Deangelo Washington, Kenneth Strain and Joshua McGuffin were wounded in the fight and taken the hospital.  Gregory Smith was taken to a Coalgate hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officials say no correctional officers were injured or involved in the incident. 

The DOC says the Mack Alford Correctional Center currently has 923 inmates.