Otha Don Watkins III, a federal inmate from Cairo, Illinois, has been sentenced to an additional five years in prison following his guilty plea to charges of involuntary manslaughter and possessing contraband. This sentence comes after the fatal stabbing of fellow inmate Carlos Shelton at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Court documents reveal that Watkins was serving a 23-year sentence for previous crimes, including aiding and abetting armed bank robbery and possession of a stolen firearm. While incarcerated, he fashioned a weapon from metal known as a "prison shank," which is prohibited within the facility.
On April 14, 2023, both Watkins and Shelton were involved in an altercation in Unit D-2 where they each wielded improvised shanks. During this confrontation, Watkins inflicted a fatal stab wound on Shelton's chest. The injury resulted in significant damage to arteries connected to the heart and lungs, causing Shelton's death on the same day.
John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stated: “Given Otha Watkins’ history of violent offenses... it’s evident that he should never be allowed to live outside federal custody again.” He praised the efforts of the FBI and federal prosecutors involved in ensuring justice was served.
A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson emphasized that “Today's sentencing marks the conclusion of a senseless act of violence... Otha Watkins demonstrated an utter disregard for human life.” The statement further underscored that such actions would meet with severe consequences under law.
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent Timothy J. O’Malley remarked on the case as “a reminder that violence can occur anywhere... we will continue to work to ensure those who commit violent acts while incarcerated are held fully accountable.”
The investigation into this incident was conducted by both the FBI and Bureau of Prisons. U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II delivered the sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress extended thanks to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath for prosecuting this case.
