Wyoming County Sheriff's Department, New York
End of Watch Friday, May 26, 1961
Add to My HeroesBlakely B. Humphrey
Deputy Humphrey was assaulted during a jailbreak and subsequently died from the injuries.
Two 16-year-old escapees from the State School at Industry were being held on the second floor of the jail. They had jimmied a lock so it would still open without a key and could also be yanked open. When Deputy Humphrey opened the end gate to their area and opened the dumbwaiter to give them their supper, one flushed the toilet while the other yanked the door open. Both detainees then attacked Deputy Humphrey, beating him unmercifully. One of them also used a steel bedspring to beat him. Another deputy heard the commotion and found Deputy Humphrey and the two perpetrators in their cells.
Deputy Humphrey was taken to the local hospital and then to Buffalo General Hospital where he was operated on for severe brain injury. Deputy Humphrey never regained consciousness.
The two youths were convicted of second degree manslaughter and sentenced to 7.5 to 15 years, which was added to sentences for burglary and grand larceny, a total of 16.5 to 33 years. One was released on June 1, 1983. On September 6, 1984, he was arrested by New York Police for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The other suspect was paroled on August 19, 1992.
Bio
- Age 67
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Wednesday, May 17, 1961
- Weapon Person
- Offender Paroled
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsTime may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
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