Correctional Officer James P. Zeiger

Correctional Officer James P. Zeiger | Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois
Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois
Correctional Officer James P. Zeiger

Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, January 11, 1973

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James P. Zeiger

Correctional Officer James Zeiger was stabbed to death while walking the 8th Gallery of Cell House B at the Stateville Correctional Center.

An inmate attacked him from behind, stabbing him eight times with a knife, inflicting a fatal wound to the heart. The inmate then threw Correctional Officer Zeiger over the rail to the concrete floor 40 feet below.

The suspect was denied parole in 2001 and later died while still incarcerated.

Correctional Officer Zeiger had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for three years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge 373

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
  • Offender Died in prison

prisoner custody

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Officer Zeiger,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement then that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 11, 2023

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