Jailer David B. Morrell, Thurston County Sheriff's Department, Washington

Jailer David B. Morrell

Thurston County Sheriff's Department, Washington

End of Watch Sunday, March 1, 1903

David B. Morrell

Jailer David Morrell was beaten and shot to death by an escaping prisoner at the county jail. He was locking a cell door when the prisoner attacked him from behind with a lead pipe had broken off of the sink. The man then fled down a hallway with Jailer Morrell in pursuit. During the ensuing struggle Jailer Morrell was beaten with the pipe and shot with his own revolver.

The suspect fled the scene but returned to the jail looking for protection after an angry mob of citizens almost lynched him. The local judge sent the suspect to the insane asylum instead of convicting him of murder.

Jailer Morell was a veteran of the Civil War.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Committed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

I have been honored to place flowers and flags on your grave for many years since I found you. Thank you for your service not only in the Civil War but the Spanish American War. We will visit your grave this week again.

Mary Alice Morrell
Grand Niece

December 23, 2014