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Guard Edwin H. Lichtenberger | Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania

Guard

Edwin H. Lichtenberger

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania

End of Watch: Monday, July 17, 1944

Biographical Info

Age: 34
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: July 17, 1944
Weapon Used: Edged weapon; Hatchet
Suspect Info: Committed suicide

Guard Edwin Lichtenberger was murdered inside the Eastern State Penitentiary during an escape attempt by an inmate.

The inmate had planned an elaborate escape for months and had made several homemade weapons, 40-feet of rope, and several incendiary devices that he had planned to ignite as a diversion. He had picked the lock on his cell door and was preparing to set off the incendiary devices when he was unexpectedly interrupted by Guard Lichtenberger.

Using a homemade hatchet, the inmate attacked Guard Lichtenberger and struck him on the head several times, causing severe injuries. He again attempted to ignite the devices, but when they failed, he committed suicide by stabbing himself with a shank.

Guard Lichtenberger was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

Guard Lichtenberger was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.