Rick Scott: Slain Correctional Officer's Family 'Closer to Justice'

Gov. Rick Scott released the following statement Friday in response to the indictment of Richard P. Franklin on charges he stabbed to death Lake City correctional officer Sgt. Ruben Thomas at the Columbia Correctional Institution Annex on March 18.

The indictment of the inmate allegedly responsible for the death of Corrections Sergeant Ruben Thomas brings his family and loved-ones one step closer to justice, Scott stated in a release.

Our criminal justice system must ensure justice prevails for victims of crime, especially our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day in order to protect Floridians. My thoughts and prayers remain with Sergeant Thomas family and fellow officers during this challenging time.

Thomas, 24, was a six-year veteran of the Department of Corrections.

Franklin was serving life sentences for armed robbery and murder at the time of the incident.