Arizona Department of Corrections, Arizona
End of Watch Sunday, September 7, 1975
Add to My HeroesPaul W. Rast
Correctional Officer Paul Rast was fatally injured when he was strangled and beaten by two juvenile inmates at the Adobe Mountain Juvenile Facility.
Officer Rast was attacked after he had gone to the inmates' cottage to see why they had not reported for a work detail. He died in a Phoenix hospital two days later.
The inmates, ages 15 and 17, were charged with voluntary manslaughter. On February 4th, 1976, the charges were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Both inmates had very lengthy records that included robbery, auto theft, burglary, assault, and shoplifting. The 15-year-old had also fatally stabbed another youth.
Officer Raft had served with the Arizona Department of Corrections for two years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Friday, September 5, 1975
- Weapon Person
- Offender Charges dismissed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsThis is the first time I have seen this page, I got to know Paul when I was incarcerated there He became like a father to me. We spent many hours at night , when I was moved into the big room and he worked at night ,playing cards or chess and talking , we got to know each other well enough to were he talked about taking me in. Upon release I got to know his family fairly well. They were all great people.
Paul was a hero to me then and is now and will always be , my hero. He showed me nothing but compassion , understanding and respect , without his help I may not be where I am today. I have had a thought of him about everyday of my life since then ,and will the rest of my life.
Thank you Paul for all you have done, I wish I could have known you longer you are in my heart always and I miss and love you.
Michael Van Luven
freind
March 2, 2022
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