CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joenell L. Rice, an inmate currently housed at USP Allenwood in Pennsylvania, is facing a voluntary manslaughter and assault charges in the death of another inmate, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Rice, 34, was indicted on one count of “Voluntary Manslaughter” and one count of “Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.” Rice, formerly housed at USP Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, is accused of assaulting inmate D.G. by striking him in the head multiple times, killing him. The crime occurred at USP Hazelton in October 2017.
Rice faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the manslaughter charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the assault charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Services investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.