Reginald Steed, the Tennessee inmate awaiting trial for the February murder of state correctional officer Dustin Pedigo, has been found dead in his maximum-security prison cell.

Steed, 35, was being held at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville while facing first-degree murder charges and a potential death penalty. Morgan County District Attorney General Russell Johnson expressed shock and disappointment that Steed will not face a jury trial, though he noted the victim’s family may find some closure regarding the lengthy appeals process typically associated with capital punishment in the state.

The fatal incident occurred in February at the Morgan County Correctional Complex when Steed ambushed and stabbed Pedigo while the officer was making solo night rounds. Security video captured the attack, which brought intense scrutiny to the prison system after reports revealed that inmates could easily force open cell doors using simple items like paper. State lawmakers have since demanded sweeping reforms from the Tennessee Department of Correction, arguing that the tragedy was entirely preventable, and a special legislative hearing is scheduled for Monday in Nashville to address the security failures.

TDOC has not yet released further details regarding the cause of Steed’s death.