Inmate accused of hitting slain guard during riot

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Federal court records say an inmate charged with participating in a prison riot in Mississippi has been identified as the first person to attack a guard who was beaten to death.

Correction officer Catlin Carithers was killed and 20 people were injured in the May 20 riot at the privately-run Adams County Correctional Facility in Natchez, which holds illegal immigrants.

Marco Perez-Serrano, also known as Jesus Fernando Ochoa, was indicted Wednesday.

An FBI affidavit says inmates stacked food carts from the kitchen and climbed to a roof where Carithers was stationed with another guard.

The affidavit says Perez-Serrano was the first person seen attacking Carithers when he hit him with a food tray before other inmates attacked.

Perez-Serrano is charged with rioting. Court records did not list an attorney.