Ian Watkins’ Prison Death: Two Arrested on Suspicion of Conspiracy to Murder

Lost Prophets Perform In Sydney - Source: Getty
Lost Prophets Perform In Sydney - Source: Getty

Two additional suspects were detained on alleged suspicion of conspiracy to murder of former rock musician Ian Watkins. The announcements were confirmed by West Yorkshire Police on October 21, 2025, following his death while incarcerated at HMP Wakefield on October 11, 2025.

Watkins, 48, had been imprisoned for an extended period at Wakefield. Reports following the incident by The Guardian state that his death was the result of what police are calling a serious assault. The two newly detained men (both current inmates at HMP Wakefield) are ages 23 and 39. They were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and will be interviewed, after which they may be bailed and returned to prison while further investigations are carried out.

Prior to these two men, two others had already been arrested in connection with his murder (or alleged actions relating to his death). The original two arrested are identified as Rashid Gedel (aka "Rico Gedel," age 25) and Samuel Dodsworth (age 43), and they were set to appear in court.


What happened with Ian Watkins in the prison?

Inside the high-security prison HMP Wakefield, Ian Watkins was pronounced dead after staff reported a serious assault on October 11.

According to reports by West Yorkshire Police, the investigation is ongoing, and the recent arrests are part of that inquiry. Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of the major crime unit said that Watkins's family is being kept updated. He also said no immediate developments are expected at this early stage.

The two newly arrested men were taken into custody and will be questioned. After that, they may be bailed and returned to prison. Reports by The Guardian further state that this incident follows an alleged previous attack on Watkins in August 2023 at the same prison. On that occasion, he was reportedly taken hostage by other inmates and stabbed but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. HMP Wakefield is one of the most high-security prisons in England and holds many dangerous inmates.

The Camden Crawl 2010 - Day 2 - Source: Getty
The Camden Crawl 2010 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Who was Ian Watkins & why was he in prison?

Ian Watkins was the frontman of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, which achieved fame in the early 2000s. Various reports, including those from People, state that in 2013, he pleaded guilty to a number of very serious child sexual offences. These included attempting to rape a baby, sexual assault of children, and making or possessing indecent images.

According to The Guardian, at his sentencing, the judge described his crimes as "plumbing new depths of depravity." He was given a long prison term: 29 years plus six on licence according to some sources; other sources say 35 years. His band disbanded in 2013 following his arrest and conviction.

Given the nature of his crimes, Watkins was regarded by authorities as highly dangerous. For example, one court described him as a "committed, organised paedophile."

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The death of Ian Watkins in custody has raised concerns about the prison environment and how high-profile sex offenders are kept safe. He was reportedly attacked in 2016, and the recent incident demonstrates the risks posed to prisoners, even in a top-security facility. The two new arrests reflect the work of police to determine how the alleged murder was planned and carried out. More details may emerge as the inquiry develops.

Edited by Ritika Pal