Former Wallens Ridge corrections officer sent to prison for one year for excessive use of force

A former Wallens Ridge State Prison corrections officer pleaded down to a misdemeanor in federal court and was sent to prison for 1 year for repeatedly striking a mentally ill prisoner in the head in 2022.

A published report in the Roanoke Times said David McMurry held handcuffs in his fist while punching the inmate over 40 times as other guards held the man down. Evidence showed the men had a shank in his hand and had been pepper sprayed before the guards and a police dog entered his cell–also a violation of state policy. An attorney said McMurry once commented that he loved using force against inmates.

McMurry was originally charged with a felony, depriving an inmate of their rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and could have received up to 10 years in prison before the plea agreement, the report said.

McMurry’s attorneys told the judge that their client admitted to using excessive force and resign his position at the prison. Mc Murry can never work again in corrections or law enforcement.

Testimony in court revealed what co-workers of McMurry testified under oath, calling his actions disgusting, stupid, and unprofessional.