UPDATE: MORGAN CO PRISON GUARD STABBED EIGHT TIMES, DECEASED
A Morgan County correctional officer suffered eight stab wounds, one fatal, in a Feb. 24 attack by an inmate, records state.
The autopsy report for Dustin M. Pedigo, 35, also shows he was performing a “lock check” on inmate cells at the Morgan County Correctional Complex in Wartburg when the inmate — identified by state authorities as Reginal Steed — “suddenly opened the door and ambushed (Pedigo).”
Steed, 35, has been moved to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville since the killing, Tennessee Department of Correction records show. He is serving a 27-year sentence for crimes that include especially aggravated robbery and attempted voluntary manslaughter. Steed used a “homemade stabbing device” in the attack, the report states.
Charges will likely be forthcoming against Steed. District Attorney General Russell has previously said the next local grand jury meets to consider indictments in May.
According to the autopsy report, Pedigo walked out of the pod and collapsed after being stabbed in the head, neck and shoulder area. He was believed to be wearing a tactical vest, the report states. Steed used a “homemade stabbing device” in the attack, the report states.
First responders were called about 11:15 p.m. Feb. 24 after the attack. Pedigo was taken to Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, where he was pronounced dead early the next morning despite life-saving efforts. Pedigo had been with TDOC since April 2025.
TDOC’s Office of Investigations & Conduct has been leading the investigation
A TDOC spokesman said Monday the department couldn’t comment while the investigation is ongoing. Johnson said his office is awaiting completion of that investigation before presenting the case to a grand jury this spring.
