Who Killed Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins? Latest Details on Prison Attack

Ian Watkins, the disgraced frontman of Welsh rock band Lostprophets, was killed in a violent prison attack at HMP Wakefield in northern England on Saturday, October 11, 2025. He was 48. Watkins was serving a lengthy sentence for a series of child sex offences when he was fatally assaulted by another inmate, according to British media reports and police statements.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were called to the prison at 9:39 a.m. following reports of an assault. Emergency services arrived shortly afterward, but Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the name of the attacker, and a full investigation into the killing is ongoing.

What We Know So Far About Ian Watkins’ Death in Prison

Watkins’ death marks a violent end to one of the most notorious criminal cases in British music history. The former rock star, once the face of a chart-topping band that sold millions of albums worldwide, was convicted in 2013 after pleading guilty to 13 charges related to child sexual abuse. These included attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13, conspiring to rape a child, and possessing indecent and extreme pornographic images.

He was initially sentenced to 29 years in prison with an additional six years on licence. The judge described his crimes as “plunging into new depths of depravity” and said Watkins had shown a “complete lack of remorse.” Two co-defendants — mothers of children he abused — were also sentenced to 14 and 17 years respectively.

Saturday’s fatal attack occurred inside HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison known for housing some of the UK’s most dangerous offenders. Sources told PA that Watkins was stabbed with a knife by another inmate. It was not the first time he was targeted in custody. In August 2023, Watkins was taken hostage and stabbed during a separate incident inside the same prison, though those injuries were not life-threatening.

The latest attack comes just weeks after an official inspection report revealed rising violence inside Wakefield Prison. The Chief Inspector of Prisons warned that many inmates, especially older men convicted of sexual offences, reported feeling unsafe amid a growing population of younger, more volatile prisoners.

Reaction and Broader Impact of Watkins’ Death

Watkins’ death has sparked renewed scrutiny of safety conditions in British prisons, particularly for inmates convicted of sexual crimes, who are often targeted by other prisoners. Advocates have also emphasized the importance of focusing on the victims rather than the notoriety of the perpetrator.

“This case isn’t about celebrity — it’s about the victims, and those victims are children,” Des Mannion, NSPCC national head of service for Wales, said after Watkins’ sentencing. Watkins had used his fame and influence to manipulate people and commit heinous crimes, Mannion added.

Once celebrated as a rock icon in his 20s and 30s, Watkins rose to international fame with Lostprophets, a band formed in 1997 that achieved multiple chart-topping albums and sold-out arena tours. His fall from grace was swift and complete after his 2012 arrest and subsequent conviction, which shocked fans and the music industry worldwide.

As police continue their investigation into who killed Ian Watkins, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about prison violence and inmate safety — particularly in facilities like HMP Wakefield. More details are expected as authorities question suspects and review evidence surrounding the fatal attack.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who killed Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins?

Police have not yet named the inmate responsible for the fatal attack on Ian Watkins. Investigations are ongoing at HMP Wakefield.

Q2: How did Ian Watkins die in prison?

Watkins was reportedly stabbed by another inmate on October 11, 2025, and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after emergency services arrived.

Q3: Why was Ian Watkins in prison?

Watkins was serving a sentence for multiple child sex offences, including attempted rape of a baby and possessing indecent images of children.

Q4: Was Ian Watkins attacked before?

Yes. In August 2023, he was taken hostage and stabbed by other inmates at the same prison but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

Q5: What happens next in the investigation?

West Yorkshire Police detectives are conducting inquiries and have not released further details. A suspect is expected to be charged once the investigation is complete.