Correctional Officer Jerry Sanders

Correctional Officer Jerry Sanders

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California

End of Watch Tuesday, November 27, 1973

Add to My Heroes

Jerry Sanders

Correctional Officer Sanders was stabbed and killed while working at the Deuel Vocational Institution.

Two inmates, both members of the radical Black Panthers, were charged with his murder. Their first trial ended with a hung jury. In the second trial both were found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to death. The California Supreme Court overturned their convictions and ordered a third trial which ended with another hung jury. In 1981 their fourth trial resulted in an acquittal for both. One inmate, serving a sentence for armed robbery, was released. The other inmate, serving a life sentence for a previous murder conviction, remained in prison.


The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Weapon Edged weapon
  • Offender Acquitted

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

I never had the opportunity to work with Officer Sanders, I started my career 6 years after the murder of Sanders. Many of those whom I worked with knew Sanders and were working when the incident happened. J wing was the place where Sanders was killed. Unfortunately the suspects did not receive the correct punishment for their crime. RIP Jerry Sanders.

Lieutenant K. Morris
CDC

August 5, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.