The Colorado Department of Corrections has lifted visitation restrictions at most state facilities following a weekend incident at a southeastern Colorado prison that resulted in two inmate deaths and one hospitalization. Visitation remains suspended at the Bent County Correctional Facility, where the incident occurred, officials said Monday.
The department announced the change in a statement posted to its social media accounts, noting that normal visitation has resumed statewide except at the Bent County facility as investigators continue reviewing what happened.
Incident
According to the Colorado Department of Corrections, the incident took place Saturday at the Bent County Correctional Facility in Las Animas. Officials described the event only as an “incident” and have not released details about how it unfolded.
Department spokeswoman Alondra Gonzalez said no staff members were injured. One additional individual was hospitalized, though officials have not provided an update on that person’s condition.
The Bent County coroner later confirmed that two inmates died at the facility. Their causes of death have not been released.
Victims
The inmates who died were identified as 27-year-old Charles Gates and 59-year-old Michael Fisher, according to the Bent County coroner. Public records indicate Gates was from Aurora, while Fisher was from Denver prior to their incarceration.
Gates had faced multiple criminal cases in recent years. Colorado court records show he had eight cases since 2022, including five in Adams County. He was most recently sentenced on Jan. 28 to two years in prison after pleading guilty to theft involving between $5,000 and $20,000. That sentence appeared to be added to existing prison time. His prior convictions included two motor vehicle theft cases in Adams County and another in Douglas County.
Fisher’s criminal history dated back decades. Court records show he was involved in five criminal cases in Adams County between 1987 and 1996. In 1998, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Restrictions
Following the deaths, CDOC suspended visitation at all state correctional facilities on Sunday. That move came shortly after a separate announcement earlier in the week stating visitation would be suspended at the Limon Correctional Facility from Friday through Sunday.
On Monday, the department said visitation had been restored at all facilities except Bent County.
“We understand how vital family connections are to those in our custody and their loved ones,” the department said in its statement. “We sincerely thank you for your patience and cooperation as our teams worked diligently to restore visitation across the state.”
Investigation
Officials have not said whether the visitation suspensions at Bent County and Limon were related. Gonzalez declined to comment on that question, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Colorado Department of Corrections has not provided a timeline for when visitation at the Bent County Correctional Facility may resume. Additional information is expected once investigators complete their review.
FAQs
Where did the incident occur?
At the Bent County Correctional Facility in Las Animas.
How many inmates died?
Two inmates died during the weekend incident.
Have visitation rules been restored?
Yes, except at Bent County Correctional Facility.
Were staff members injured?
No staff injuries were reported.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, CDOC says the investigation continues.
