Jailer John Asberry Gillespie

Jailer John Asberry Gillespie | Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
Jailer John Asberry Gillespie

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Tuesday, November 10, 1942

Add to My Heroes

John Asberry Gillespie

Jailer John Gillespie died after being assaulted by three federal prisoners during an escape attempt from the county jail in the 600 block of Walnut Street.

He and several trustees were taking a mattress into the cell when the inmates attacked him with iron piping that had been ripped out of the newly installed plumbing system. One of the trustees was also seriously injured as they attempted to stop the assault on Jailer Gillespie and keep the prisoners from escaping.

Responding officers from the Chattanooga Police Department prevented the prisoners from making their escape. The three federal prisoners were charged with Jailer Gillespie's murder.

Jailer Gillespie died of a fractured skull the next day. All four inmates were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Bio

  • Age 66
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Incident Date Monday, November 9, 1942
  • Weapon Blunt object; Iron pipe
  • Offender Not available

escape attempt, prisoner custody

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 1 Reflections

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 18, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths