Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois
End of Watch Friday, November 24, 1944
Add to My HeroesZoeth C. Skaggs
Guard Zoeth Skaggs was killed during an escape attempt by 10 inmates from the Stateville Correctional Center.
The escape attempt started in either the furniture factory or the coal division when the escaping inmates overpowered guards. They made a makeshift ladder, which may have been too short for the 32-foot high fence surrounding the prison and stole a truck. The inmates raced the truck to Tower 12 at the southeast corner of the institution and laid the ladder on the wall.
When the guard manning the tower challenged the inmates, they told him they were there to fix the searchlight. He told them the searchlight was never repaired from inside and ordered them to stop. The guard opened fire when they refused and the inmates threw Molotov cocktails in his direction.
During the five-minute attempted escape, approximately 25 rounds were fired by the tower guards, one of which struck Guard Skaggs, who died about an hour and a half later.
Guard Skaggs had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and four sons. Before serving with the agency, Guard Skaggs was a school teacher in Marion.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 14 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsZoeth,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
November 24, 2024
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