Guard John F. Campbell

John F. Campbell

Guard John Campbell was shot and killed by an inmate with his own revolver.

A 19 year-old inmate refused to obey Guard Campbell's order to work and attacked him with a saw. Before Guard Campbell could use his gun, the inmate was upon him and a terrible struggle took place for possession of the weapon. A moment later the revolver discharged, and Guard Campbell fell to the floor, shot through the heart. Another guard arriving on the scene shot and mortally wounded the suspect.

The New Castle County Workhouse became part of the newly formed Delaware Department of Corrections in 1956.