A Virginia man already serving time for violent offenses has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the 2015 murder of another inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona. The sentences, announced on Monday, ensure that Morgan Wayne Siler, 40, will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Siler, originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, pleaded guilty in September to murder and conspiracy in connection with the death of a fellow prisoner. Prosecutors revealed that Siler and another inmate, David Hammer, meticulously planned and carried out the brutal killing on December 18, 2015.
Details of the Crime
The victim’s death was attributed to asphyxia and blunt force injuries, according to authorities. Investigators said the attack was premeditated, although the motive was not disclosed.
Siler was already serving federal time for a 2008 assault on a Bureau of Prisons officer and a 2005 retail robbery conviction in Virginia. His new life sentences will run consecutively to his current terms, solidifying his permanent incarceration.
Investigation and Sentencing
The case was thoroughly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose findings led to Siler’s guilty plea. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
A Violent Legacy
Siler’s sentencing underscores the ongoing challenges of managing violent offenders within the federal prison system. Officials emphasized that such crimes will not go unpunished, even within the confines of incarceration.
The United States Penitentiary in Tucson, where the crime occurred, is a high-security facility housing some of the nation’s most dangerous offenders. Authorities are continuing to address safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
