Deputy Keeper Joseph H. Tinney, New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey

Deputy Keeper Joseph H. Tinney

New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey

End of Watch Saturday, February 4, 1928

Joseph H. Tinney

Deputy Keeper Joseph Tinney was shot and killed as two inmates attempted to escape from the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton.

Handguns had been smuggled into the prison for the two suspects. When Keeper Tinney arrived to take the inmates to the dining hall, he was shot and killed. After killing Keeper Tinney, the inmates attempted to scale the wall. The officers in the tower opened fire on the inmates, who fired back. Both inmates were shot and wounded by the tower officers and apprehended when they fell to the ground.

The two inmates were convicted of Keeper Tinney's murder and sentenced to life in prison. The following year several accomplices who helped smuggle the guns into the prison were convicted of related charges.

Keeper Tinney was a WWI veteran and had served with the New Jersey Department of Corrections for three years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Pistol
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 84th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. . My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 4, 2012