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Principal Keeper George A. Durnford | New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York
New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York

Principal Keeper

George A. Durnford

New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York

End of Watch: Wednesday, December 11, 1929

Biographical Info

Age: 44
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 11, 1929
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Principal Keeper George Durnford was shot and killed by rioting inmates who had taken the prison's warden hostage during an escape plot at the Auburn State Prison.

Eight inmates were killed by New York State Police later in the day during an attempt to quell the disturbance and escape attempt. Several inmates were charged in connection with the riot. Principal Keeper Durnford's killer was identified and charged with his murder.

The inmate was acquitted after his attorney convinced the jury that one of the inmates who was killed shot Principal Keeper Durnford.

Assistant Principal Keeper John Martin suffered a fatal stroke three days later and died on December 15th, 1929.

Principal Keeper Durnford was survived by his wife and son.