Corrections Officer Robert Charles Prescott

Robert Charles Prescott

Corrections Officer Robert Prescott was stabbed to death at the Rockingham County Jail in Brentwood.

Officer Prescott had gone to the exercise yard with his dog, and a group of prisoners took him hostage. The prisoners demanded to be released and would free Officer Prescott. However, a few minutes later, guards were informed that they needed an ambulance because Officer Prescott was hurt. A prisoner, using a makeshift knife, stabbed him to death. He died from his injuries before he reached the Exeter Hospital.

The dog, who was also killed, had served with Officer Prescott at the Newmarket Police Department and was instrumental in the search for Patrolman Walter Schroder's (Boston Police Department) killer.

The 40-year-old suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 45 years to life. His request for a pardon in 1993 was denied.

Officer Prescott was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had been a guard at the Rockingham County Department of Corrections for two weeks. He was also a Newmarket Police Officer and a former University of New Hampshire Campus Police Officer. He was survived by his wife, mother, two brothers, nieces, and nephews.