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In this July 1973 photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, a fire burns inside the gate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester in McAlester, Okla., during one of the most destructive prison riots in American history. The prison erupted into violence on July 27, 1973, the result of overcrowding, inadequate supervision, poor health care and a culture of violence within the prison walls. The prison was eventually rebuilt as a maximum security prison. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 1973 photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, an inmate is taken out of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester in Mcalester, Okla., during one of the most destructive prison riots in American history. The prison erupted into violence on July 27, 1973, the result of overcrowding, inadequate supervision, poor health care and a culture of violence within the prison walls. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 1973 photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, an unidentified inmate is taken out on a stretcher from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester in McAlester, Okla. during one of the most destructive prison riots in American history. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 1973 photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, officials stand guard outside the fence of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester in McAlester, Okla. during one of the most destructive prison riots in American history. The prison erupted into violence on July 27, 1973, the result of overcrowding, inadequate supervision, poor health care and a culture of violence within the prison walls. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 1973 photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Highway Patrol officers line up outside the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester in McAlester, Okla. during one of the most destructive prison riots in American history. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 1973 photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, inmates carry a wounded inmate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester in McAlester, Okla. during one of the most destructive prison riots in American history. (AP Photo/Oklahoma Department of Corrections) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

This July 29, 1973 black and white file photo, shows an aerial view of McAlester State Prison in McAelester, Okla. It shows many of the fire-gutted buildings of the riot-torn institution. The OSP had 2,200 inmates at the time, twice its capacity. The prison was eventually rebuilt as a maximum security prison. Today, the prison houses only about 575 prisoners, including 52 who are currently housed at the prison's death row. (AP Photo/Staff, File) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 28, 1973 black and white file photo, Oklahoma State Highway Patrolmen, foreground, wait their chance for action as they watch flames destroy the shop area at the Oklahoma State Prison at McAlester, Okla. The prison erupted into violence on July 27, 1973, the result of overcrowding, inadequate supervision, poor health care and a culture of violence within the prison walls. (AP Photo/Staff, File) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )

In this July 28, 1973 file photo, convicts give the "V" for victory and clenched fist sign to newsmen who were allowed to view the West Cell Block at Oklahoma State Prison, as rioting subsided and many returned to their cells. The OSP had 2,200 inmates at the time, twice its capacity. The prison erupted into violence on July 27, 1973, the result of overcrowding, inadequate supervision, poor health care and a culture of violence within the prison walls. (AP Photo/Staff, File) ( McAlester Prison Riot 40 Years )