Two inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary are facing attempted murder charges following a nearly fatal assault on two staff members last month.
According to court records, Dennis Lane Lawson, 29, and Anthony Sebastian Bauer, 23, have each been charged with two counts of attempted murder, Class B felonies, and one count of possession of a weapon in a correctional institution, a Class C felony.
A criminal complaint states that at approximately 9:37 a.m. on January 21, 2026, the two inmates were participating in the prison’s long-term restricted program when the assault occurred. Two counselors were providing classroom instruction and were in the process of handing out homework when Bauer and Lawson allegedly attacked.
Authorities believe the assault was coordinated. Both inmates reportedly produced improvised shiv-type weapons, described as sharpened objects fashioned from available materials, and used them to strike one counselor in vital areas including the neck, throat, head, back, and sides in what investigators describe as an apparent attempt to kill.
When the second counselor intervened, that staff member was also allegedly attacked and struck multiple times in similar areas.
The assault ended only after multiple correctional officers responded and forcefully gained control of both inmates.
Both counselors were transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for treatment. A press release from the Iowa Department of Corrections says both have since been released from the hospital.
Bauer is currently serving a 50-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2021 to second-degree murder and three counts of reckless use of a firearm in connection with a fatal New Year’s Day 2021 shooting in Sioux City.
Lawson is serving a 15-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2021 to second-degree robbery, willful injury causing serious injury, and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with a 2020 shooting in Sioux City.
Preliminary hearings for both men are scheduled for 11 a.m. February 20, 2026 at the North Lee County Courthouse and will be held via Zoom.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation. Assisting agencies include the Lee County Attorney’s Office and the Fort Madison Police Department.