“Lt. Eugene Lasco paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever indebted to his service to the State of Indiana. Lt. Lasco was well-known amongst his colleagues as a true team member, someone they could count on, and he proved that again on Sunday, when he rushed in to help a fellow correctional officer. His sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Carter said.

The incident happened at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 21, 2021, when Sergeant Padrick Schmitt was attacked and stabbed multiple times by an offender. Lt. Lasco went to assist Sgt. Schmitt, and the offender stabbed Lt. Lasco.

Both correctional staff were transported to Franciscan Hospital.  Lt. Lasco succumbed to his injuries and died at Franciscan Hospital.

Sgt. Schmitt was transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, and is in stable condition.

Lt. Lasco, 57, began his career with the Indiana State Prison on October 19, 2009.  During his career, Lt. Lasco was a locksmith and was a former member of the emergency squad. He served on the Technical Response Team for Safety Hazmat. Lt. Lasco received multiple accolades for his service to DOC. Lt. Lasco resided in LaPorte County.

Sgt. Schmitt, 22, began his career at the Indiana State Prison on December 5, 2016.  Sgt. Schmitt resides in Lake Station.  He was recently promoted to Correctional Sergeant on February 7, 2021.

Indiana State Police is investigating and has said offender Tymetri Campbell, 38, faces several preliminary charges, including murder, as a result of this investigation.

In 2004, he was sentenced to 130 years in prison on three murder convictions from Marion County.

The death investigation is being conducted by the Indiana Department of Correction Office of Investigations and Intelligence and Indiana State Police.  An autopsy is being conducted. Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.