Correctional Officer Vern M. Jarvis

Vern M. Jarvis

Correctional Officer Vern Jarvis was stabbed 26 times with a homemade knife while on duty in the prisoners living quarters of the United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois. His body was found hidden in a utility closet by another officer.

An investigation revealed that he had been stabbed by a prisoner who was seeking revenge against Officer Jarvis because the officer had confiscated the inmate's candy, fruit, and magazines when the inmate had been sent to a segregation unit.

The inmate was convicted of Officer Jarvis' murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was moved to Oregon State Penitentiary in 1982.

Correctional Officer Jarvis was a US Army Veteran of 21 years and served in WWII and the Korean War. He had served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 2 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, sister, and two brothers.