Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, September 17, 1921
Add to My HeroesDewitt Frisby Oliver
Assistant Warden Dewitt F. Oliver was working at the “Walls Unit” in Huntsville, Walker County. Oliver was standing on the east wall when convicts Maximo Vega and Ernest Conner approached him from behind. The convicts were armed with knives and slashed Oliver’s throat. They bound his hands and used Oliver as a shield and threatened to kill him if other guards fired at them. They seized the picket guard’s guns. They then pushed Oliver off the wall and escaped through the railway gate. Oliver fractured his left leg and suffered internal injuries. Early reports had him recovering rapidly.
Vega and Conner were chased by bloodhounds but stole a horse and later boarded a train. They were captured on September 3rd on board the train as it arrived in Houston. Both men were returned to the prison. On September 12th Vega allegedly tried to escape from a prison work gang and was shot and killed. The Justice of the Peace held an inquest and declared the death as justifiable homicide. Vega was from El Paso and considered one of the both dangerous prisoners in the system. Conner was serving two years for burglary out of Fort Worth and was reportedly charged with the murder. The disposition of the case is unknown.
On September 17 Oliver died from his injuries in the local hospital. Oliver’s body was shipped to Henderson, Rusk County, for burial. He was survived by his father, a brother and a sister. The place of burial is unknown.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Fall
- Incident Date Thursday, September 1, 1921
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsAsst. Warden Oliver,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 17, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Detention Officer Jeremiah Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022

Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Corporal Michael Domingo Paredes
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin W. "Melvin" Richardson
Fremont County Sheriff's Office, IA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Correctional Officer IV Jade Drennan
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: May 19, 2022

Deputy First Class Glenn R. Hilliard
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: June 12, 2022
Detective Justin Michael Terry
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: June 10, 2022