Corporal Barbara Ann Dukes Ester

Corporal Barbara Ann Dukes Ester

Arkansas Department of Corrections, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, January 20, 2012

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Barbara Ann Dukes Ester

Corporal Barbara Dukes Ester was stabbed to death by an inmate at the East Arkansas Regional Unit in Brickeys, Arkansas.

She had observed an inmate in possession of contraband pair of sneakers and entered the open barracks to confiscate them. As she approached the inmate he suddenly stabbed her twice in the stomach with a shank.

Corporal Dukes Ester was flown to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where she succumbed to her wounds.

The 32-year-old inmate, who was serving a life sentence for murder, was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the maximum security wing of the prison. On November 7th, 2014, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Corporal Dukes Ester had served with the Arkansas Department of Correction for 12 years. She is survived by her husband, who also serves as an officer at the same facility, and one child.

Bio

  • Age 47
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

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

correctional Facility, prisoner custody

Most Recent Reflection

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I can remember the first time I was a cadet in Ad Seg with your husband when he shared his meal with me and we bragged about your cooking. I can remember when you would walk the hallways with a smile or a word of encouragement to a new Officer. Then the day I heard about your murder my Lt. and Sgt came to the Infirmary at the Hawkins Unit where I was on duty and we shared our silent grief. I remember the day of your funeral there was a ring of officers surrounding the building and we wept. You are still missed to this day.

Cpl MARVIN VOLNER
Arkansas Department of Corrections

September 26, 2023

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