Four inmates at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye are now facing charges in the December death of 43-year-old Jacob Major, whose killing has put Arizona’s prison violence back under the microscope. Major was attacked inside the Lewis facility in mid-December and later died at a West Valley hospital, prompting a homicide investigation and fresh questions about gang activity behind bars.
Prosecutors have identified the four men as Timothy Moss, Aaron Halgar, Christopher Velasquez and Victor Hernandez, and allege the group is responsible for the injuries that led to Major’s death, according to 12News. The outlet reports that formal murder counts were filed this week, although specific court dates and booking details were not listed.
State corrections records show Major was assaulted on Dec. 14, 2025, then transported from the Lewis complex to Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear, where he was pronounced dead on Dec. 16, 2025, according to a release from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry. The department’s notice states that Major had been returned to ADCRR custody in 2013 to serve a Pima County sentence for vehicle theft and burglary.
What officials say
ADCRR officials have publicly linked Major’s killing to broader tensions inside the system, saying his death and another recent inmate fatality “appear to be the result of isolated gang-related disputes.” Specialized units, including Security Threat Group and intelligence teams, are working with outside law enforcement agencies on the investigations, as reported by Arizona's Family. The department says it is directing additional resources at the cases and has pledged to hold those involved accountable.
Investigation and oversight
The new charges land at a time when ADCRR is already under heavy scrutiny following several violent incidents behind bars this year, along with renewed calls from state lawmakers for independent prison oversight and funding for a corrections watchdog, according to reporting by KJZZ. ADCRR says its Office of the Inspector General is leading the homicide investigation while coordinating with other agencies.
Legal implications
The four defendants now face criminal prosecution stemming from Major’s death. The precise list of charges and potential penalties will be set out in formal court filings. If convicted on murder counts, the men could receive significant prison terms under Arizona law, and the case is expected to move through the Maricopa County court system.
According to ADCRR’s release and local reporting, those are the details made public so far. Investigators say the probe remains active, and additional information is likely to emerge as charging documents, court records and official statements are released.
