Type of Officer: Corrections Officer
Jurisdiction: Lansing
County: Leavenworth
Death Date: 6/20/1954
Added to Memorial: 1987
Circumstances of Death: Gunshot
Corrections Office Kenaga responded to a situation in which inmates at the state penitentiary, armed with guns and knives, had rushed the visitors’ room and seized at least six hostages. The inmates were crossing the prison yard when they encountered Kenaga. When the officer attempted to prevent their escape, he was fatally shot. After a brief exchange of gunfire, and a call for additional enforcement officers, the prisoners were surrounded and returned to their cells. They were charged with first-degree murder.
Panel: 5