Sen. Yager commends pursuit of death penalty in Officer Pedigo case
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Sen. Yager commends pursuit of death penalty in Officer Pedigo case
(NASHVILLE) — Today, State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) expressed support for District Attorney General Russell Johnson’s decision to pursue the death penalty against Reginald Steed in the murder of Morgan County Correctional Complex Corrections Officer Dustin Pedigo.
“The murder of Corrections Officer Dustin Pedigo was a horrific and senseless act of violence against a public servant who dedicated his life to protecting others,” said Yager. “I support General Johnson’s decision to seek the death penalty in this case and appreciate his commitment to pursuing justice for Officer Pedigo, his family, and the corrections officers who continue to serve our communities every day.”
Officer Pedigo was killed on February 24, 2026 while performing his duties at the Morgan County Correctional Complex. Prosecutors have alleged that Steed fatally stabbed Pedigo during a routine cell door check.
Johnson announced the filing of a Notice of Intent to seek the death penalty during Steed’s arraignment in Morgan County Criminal Court. The notice cites multiple statutory aggravating factors, including that the victim was a corrections officer acting in the line of duty and that the crime occurred while the defendant was lawfully confined in a Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) facility.
“Those who put on a uniform and work in our correctional institutions face dangers most Tennesseans never see. When a corrections officer is targeted and murdered while carrying out his responsibilities, the criminal justice system must respond appropriately. Tennessee law provides for the death penalty in the most egregious cases, and this appears to be one of them,” Yager added.
The case is currently pending in Morgan County Criminal Court. Steed entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment, and the court has scheduled the matter for a status hearing on Oct. 9.