March 22, 2006 – One man is dead and at least four others injured as a result of a fight in the yard at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility. Officials at the V.I. Justice Department, which oversees the operations of the Bureau of Corrections, are working with police to find out how the incident began.
The victim was identified as 23-year-old Timothy Heidman Jr., a resident of St. Croix. Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Hannah said Heidman was one of at least a half-dozen Golden Grove inmates who took part in the fight Tuesday. Heidman was stabbed several times during that fight.
The victim was reportedly serving time in prison on assault and weapons charges. He was transported to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital for medical care, but Hannah said he died Tuesday afternoon.
"During this altercation, four to five inmates sustained various cuts and stab wounds as a result of inmates being armed with various cutting instruments, including knives," Hannah said.
Other inmates, injured during the same incident in which Heidman was killed, also received treatment for their wounds.
Attorney General Kerry Drue, who oversees prison operations, and Rosaldo Horsford, acting prison director, said prison officials, along with police and the Justice Department, were investigating.
Horsford said security at the prison would remain unchanged, in spite of the fact that several prisoners were able to procure or manufacture dangerous weapons.
"If, after the investigation, we find there is a need for it, it will be done," the prison director said.

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