Iowa Department of Corrections, Iowa
End of Watch Thursday, June 8, 1972
Joseph Kruse
Captain Joseph Kruse was stabbed to death by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary.
Captain Kruse was stabbed in the heart in a scuffle with the inmate in which three other officers were also injured.
The inmate, who had been in prison since 1967, was serving a 16 year sentence for kidnaping a 9 year-old girl and committing lascivious acts with her. He was convicted of second degree murder May 29, 1973, and got 90 years added to his sentence.
Captain Kruse had served with the Iowa Department of Corrections since January 1955 and was promoted to captain in 1968. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 17 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Stabbed
- Weapon Edged weapon; Shank
- Offender Sentenced to 90 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsThinking about you today. Many thanks for your service to our country and my prayers be with your friends and family.
John Haseltine - Civilian
January 10, 2017
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