Two men have been officially charged with the murder of former Lostprophets singer and convicted child sex offender Ian Watkins, who died after an attack in prison over the weekend.
Ian Watkins, age 48, was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offenses at HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison in West Yorkshire, England.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Watkins was seriously assaulted. Sources say he was attacked with a knife by another inmate. Emergency services were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
West Yorkshire Police have charged two, both inmates at HMP Wakefield, with murder. They are Rashid Gedel and Samuel Dodsworth.
The two men are scheduled to appear in court at Leeds Magistrates’ Court later on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Watkins was jailed in 2013 for multiple horrific child sex crimes including the attempted rape of a baby. He was previously injured in another attack at the same prison in 2023.
The charges follow a statement released by West Yorkshire Police following the incident:
“Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in HMP Wakefield.”
“Officers were called by staff at the prison at 9:39 am this morning to reports of a serious assault on a prisoner.”
“A man aged 48 was found with serious injuries. Despite medical attention he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
“Two men aged 25 and 43 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody.”
A Prison Service spokesperson provided a brief comment on the situation:
“We are aware of an incident at HMP Wakefield which took place this morning. We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”
