Chief Sergeant W. H. Riley, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma

Chief Sergeant W. H. Riley

Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma

End of Watch Monday, December 13, 1943

W. H. Riley

Sergeant W.H. Riley was stabbed to death while questioning two inmates about a robbery that took place inside the Oklahoma State Prison.

Another inmate had accused the two of robbing him. During the questioning one of the inmates struck Sergeant Riley in the head with a lead pipe and the other stabbed him in the face and back, killing him. They also beat and stabbed to death the inmate who had accused them of robbery.

Both suspects were convicted of Sergeant Riley's murder and sentenced to death. One was executed in the electric chair on November 1, 1946. On May 30, 1946, the other suspect was found dead in his bed on death row a few hours before he was to be executed. He had slit his wrist with a razor blade.

Sergeant Riley had been with the agency for ten years and was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Shank
Offender Executed

robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Chief Sgt. Riley,
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
United States Border Patrol

December 13, 2018