Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma
End of Watch Wednesday, August 4, 1948
Add to My HeroesW. H. Aston
Correctional Officer W.H. Aston succumbed to head injuries received six days earlier when he was attacked by an inmate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
He observed the inmate extending a mirror from his solitary confinement cell and went to take it away. When he opened the cell door, the inmate attacked him and beat his head against the floor, cell door, and bars. The attack was stopped by other officers, and Officer Aston was taken to a local hospital. He initially refused treatment but was readmitted the following day when his condition worsened. He succumbed to his wounds on August 4, 1948.
The inmate, who was serving a 10-year sentence for auto theft, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on October 10, 1948. In 1974 the Oklahoma parole board recommended his release, and he was paroled a few months later. In 1983 he was returned to prison for second-degree burglary and returned again in 1987 for larceny. He was paroled for the third time on May 25, 1988.
He was a widower who was survived by his daughter, two sons, three brothers, three sisters, and two granddaughters.
Bio
- Age 65
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Friday, July 30, 1948
- Weapon Person
- Offender Paroled
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsOfficer Aston,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oklahoma. 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.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
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August 4, 2023
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