Brian O'Neal Gifft
Brian O'Neal Gifft, 40, died on November 20, 2020, after he was attacked in a housing unit at Mount Olive Correctional Complex in Fayette County, West Virginia, where he was held. According to the state's news release, another person held at the prison assaulted him with a makeshift weapon, and he was taken to a hospital, where he died. Officials said the weapon was found after the incident, and the state's account of the attack is not yet established. No one had been publicly named as a suspect while the investigation continued, and the West Virginia State Police took over the case.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security said another person held at Mount Olive Correctional Complex assaulted Gifft with a makeshift weapon, and prison officials said the State Police are taking over the investigation.
Reported by: West Virginia Department of Homeland Security (outside investigators); West Virginia prison officials (the agency that held him); West Virginia State Police (outside investigators).