Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, January 11, 1973
Add to My HeroesJames P. Zeiger
Correctional Officer James Zeiger was stabbed to death while walking the 8th Gallery of Cell House B at the Stateville Correctional Center.
An inmate attacked him from behind, stabbing him eight times with a knife, inflicting a fatal wound to the heart. The inmate then threw Correctional Officer Zeiger over the rail to the concrete floor 40 feet below.
The suspect was denied parole in 2001 and later died while still incarcerated.
Correctional Officer Zeiger had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for three years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 373
Incident Details
- Cause Stabbed
- Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 53 ReflectionsOfficer Zeiger,
On today, the 50th 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 then that of a Corrections Officer.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 11, 2023
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