A fight inside a Rush City prison cell left one inmate dead after another inmate beat him and covered the cell window to block the view, according to new charges.
William Davon Hall, 29, faces a charge of second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony in connection with the October 9, 2025, death of Stephen Scott Washington at the Minnesota State Correctional Facility in Rush City. The charge was filed Thursday in Chisago County District Court.
According to the complaint, correctional officers responded to an alarm in cell 230 at about 1:26 p.m. and found Washington unconscious on the floor with significant facial injuries and not breathing. Emergency responders arrived and attempted resuscitation, but Washington was pronounced dead at about 2:07 p.m.
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Investigators learned Hall and Washington had been placed together in the cell for the first time that morning. Surveillance footage showed Hall returning to the cell at 12:44 p.m. and both men inside as the door was locked. Between about 12:49 p.m. and 12:56 p.m., cameras captured rapid movement through the cell window, consistent with a physical altercation.
Hall was seen standing and at times making punching motions. Later, Hall was observed putting up and removing a white material to cover the cell window, blocking the camera’s view of the interior.
When officers entered the cell after the alarm, Hall was removed and Washington was found unresponsive. Hall had no significant visible injuries but had blood spatters on the front of his white shirt and swelling on the back of his right hand and knuckles. A light scrape was noted on his elbow and forearm. Bloodstains found on the cell walls matched Washington, according to BCA scientists.
Investigators interviewed inmates in nearby cells, who reported seeing Hall and Washington begin fighting. Witnesses said the fight started as mutual but Hall gained the upper hand as Washington appeared to tire. Multiple inmates described Hall continuing to hit and punch Washington as he sat on the bunk. One inmate noted Hall became more upset after losing a dreadlock during the altercation. Alarm buttons in surrounding cells were activated during the incident.
During an interview with investigators, Hall said he and Washington had a disagreement over keeping the cell clean, which escalated into a fight. Hall stated the fight was on and off, and at some point Washington went unconscious. Hall said he yelled for help and showed investigators his swollen right hand, describing it as “mushy.” He declined medical attention.
A warrant was issued for Hall’s arrest and a court date has not yet been set.
About This Charge
In Minnesota, homicide charges fall under three degrees: § 609.185 (first-degree murder), § 609.19 (second-degree murder) and § 609.195 (third-degree murder). First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence; second-degree convictions are presumptive 12 to 40 years; third-degree up to 25 years. The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission publishes guideline ranges that judges follow except where specific aggravating or mitigating factors are on the record.
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