Rhonda Jean Russell, 47, a corrections officer with 16 years at Blair County Prison, was killed on November 17, 2021, after an inmate disarmed her inside the Central Court building in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Christopher Aikens had been brought for a preliminary hearing on gun and drug charges and was left alone with five male inmates when, after one handcuff was removed for a restroom break, he attacked Russell, took her firearm and used her as a human shield.

Altoona Police Sergeant George Bistline confronted Aikens and fired at the suspect; Russell was struck and later died at UPMC Altoona. Aikens was taken into custody and charged in connection with her death. The shooting prompted a review of courthouse security procedures. The Blair County District Attorney later ruled the sergeant’s use of deadly force justified.

The estate of Rhonda Russell has filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging she was not informed that Aikens had recently attempted to escape from the county prison. Does anyone have additional information about courthouse security or the events inside the holding area that day?