A federal inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Canaan, Pennsylvania, was convicted on November 18, 2025, of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a prohibited weapon in prison. The verdict followed a two-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
Bryant Wilson, the defendant, was involved in a fatal altercation on November 28, 2021. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Wilson was walking through one of the prison’s housing units when another inmate initiated a fight with him. During the incident, Wilson pulled out a seven-inch shank from his pocket and attacked the other inmate. Over about one minute, Wilson stabbed the victim at least 15 times in the upper body, resulting in severe injuries to vital organs. The victim died within minutes due to sharp force injuries.
Wilson asserted that he acted in self-defense during the incident. However, video footage from inside the prison showed Wilson pursuing and repeatedly stabbing the other inmate as that individual attempted to escape.
The investigation into this case was conducted by personnel from the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle A. Moreno and Gerard T. Donahue prosecuted the case.
Wilson faces up to twenty years in prison upon conviction. Sentencing will be determined by Judge Mannion after reviewing relevant federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
