One of three inmates charged in Souza-Baranowski’s attack on corrections officers faces trial – Boston News, Weather, Sports

LANCASTER, MASS. (WHDH) – One of three inmates charged last month in connection with an attack on guards at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster went to trial Thursday and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The attack took place on September 18 and was caught on camera at the prison. Officials said five corrections officers were taken to area hospitals, including one officer who suffered more than a dozen stab wounds, mostly to the back and head.

Heriberto Rivera-Negron, 36, was charged with mutilation, armed assault to commit murder and assault to commit murder.

Just over three weeks after the incident, he appeared via Zoom call for his arraignment from jail. A judge set his next court date for Tuesday next week.

Video of the attack shows an officer walking through a unit as several inmates sit at tables. One prisoner is seen leaning in a doorway.

As the officer passes, the prisoner in the doorway is seen punching him in the face. The officer struggles with the prisoner before a second prisoner runs across the room and joins in the attack. A second officer comes to the first officer’s aid when one of the prisoners appears to stab him repeatedly. Several other officers soon intervene and attempt to restrain the prisoners. As the battle continues, a third prisoner is seen in the fray.

A prosecutor said Thursday that Rivera-Negron was one of the inmates who jumped in after the first attack and said he punched an officer in the head and back.

Rivera-Negron shook his head and was heard saying “no” after the prosecutor’s comments.

In addition to Rivera-Negron, Jose R. Crespo, 39, and Jeffrey Tapia, 30, have also been charged in connection with the September 18 attack.

Crespo will be arraigned on Friday.

Tapia will be arraigned on Tuesday or next week.

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