Principal Keeper Edward L. Beckwith, New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York

Principal Keeper Edward L. Beckwith

New York State Department of Correctional Services, New York

End of Watch Wednesday, March 5, 1930

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Edward L. Beckwith

Principal Keeper Edward Beckwith was stabbed to death by an inmate as he stood guard over 900 inmates in the Auburn State Prison mess hall.

Two other prison guards standing nearby were able to wrestle the knife away from the inmate and take him into custody. The inmate had held a grudge against Keeper Beckwith for seven years, and had vowed to one day to "get him".

The inmate was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On September 26, 1930, he committed suicide on Sing Sing Prison's death row by strangling himself with a towel.

Keeper Beckwith had served at the Auburn State Prison for 22 years.

Bio

Age 56
Tour 22 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
Offender Committed suicide

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Edward,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York. 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)

March 5, 2025