Correctional Officer Richard James Burke

Correctional Officer Richard James Burke | Florida Department of Corrections, Florida
Florida Department of Corrections, Florida
Correctional Officer Richard James Burke

Florida Department of Corrections, Florida

End of Watch Sunday, October 12, 1980

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Richard James Burke

Correctional Officer Richard Burke was stabbed to death at the Florida State Prison while escorting death row inmates from their cells to the shower.

The subject was already serving a death sentence for murdering a couple after robbing them. He was sentenced to death and subsequently executed on January 7th, 2014.

Officer Burke was a United States Navy Korea and Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Florida Department of Corrections for only four months. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 4 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Weapon Edged weapon; Shank
  • Offender Sentenced to death

correctional Facility, prisoner custody

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Hi dad...another year, 43 years, and yet the pain I have in my heart never goes away. It always seems like yesterday, but my yesterday memories were me climbing into your lap in your big chair and knowing how safe I felt, and happy. And now, Meg has been taken from me too. I'm so lost without her, without mom, without you. I pray you are all together, and will look after me in this crazy world of uncertainty. I know I am not alone, but the 3 people that meant the most are gone. I read the reflections that have been left for you and us over the years and want to thank all those beautiful souls for their words. I don't think I will ever fully recover, especially now that my sis isn't here to make me feel safe. But I know in my heart that she, and mom and you will watch over me, and take me away when it is time. I love you daddy, I wish I could cry on your shoulder, I wish so many things that will never be. But I shall be strong and smile as I relive memories of our lives together and know that someday you will hug me again. I love you dad.

Carolyn Burke Thompson
Youngest daughter

October 13, 2023

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