State troopers say Michael Burnette, 47, and Christopher Burnette, 27, of Bradley were sent to Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital after being assaulted by numerous other inmates.

It happened sometime during the lunch hour at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver on Dec. 3.

Officials with the Regional Jail Authority said Michael has been returned to the jail. Christopher remains in the hospital in stable condition.

The Jail Authority will conduct an internal investigation and State Police troopers are handling the criminal investigation.

"Other inmates at Southern Regional Jail may have taken notice of why Michael and Christopher Burnette were in jail and apparently they didn't approve of it. So they thought that they would apparently handle it themselves," said Cpl. J.D. Coope,r with the West Virginia State Police.

The Burnettes were arrested Dec. 2 after deputies said they cut the throat of a 73-year-old family member at her Maple Lane home around 4:30 a.m. Dec. 2.

The Burnettes will be housed in a section of the jail separate from any inmates involved in the attack. Officials said that may involve them being placed under protective custody.