Deceased officer and inmate identified after fatal stabbing in Morgan County Correctional Complex

UPDATE: The officer who died in the stabbing incident has been identified as 35-year-old Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo, according to TDOC.

Pedigo had served with Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) since April 2025.

The individual responsible for for the fatal stabbing has been identified as Reginald Steed.

They say Steed is currently serving a 27-year sentence for Aggravated Assault, Especially Aggravated Robbery, and Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter.

Visitation at MCCX has been canceled this weekend.

TDOC’s Office of Investigations & Conduct is leading the ongoing investigation.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our department and for the entire TDOC family. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family,
friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

– TDOC Commissioner Frank Strada said.

MORGAN COUNTY — An on duty corrections officer has been fatally stabbed at the Morgan County Correctional Complex.

The stabbing occurred on February 24, 2026 and the inmate who fatally stabbed the corrections officer has been transported to another facility, according to the 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General.

They say the TDOC investigative division is handling the investigation and it will take some time to put the case file together for our office to review.