Insurance to Cover Nebraska Prison Riot Damage Totaling $300,000 to $500,000

A deadly Nebraska prison riot may have caused half a million dollars in damage, and is believed to have started when inmates complained about a lack of rehabilitation programs.

Lawmakers said Thursday that damage to the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution could total $350,000 to $500,000, although insurance will likely cover the expense.

Inmates took control of part of the prison on Sunday, and two inmates were killed. The facility was still on lockdown Thursday, and one section of cells was considered an active crime scene.

Separate investigations are being conducted into the deaths of the inmates and the cause of the riots.

Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, who was briefed on the incident, says the riot may have started when inmates complained about a lack of programming.