Type of Officer: Corrections Officer
Jurisdiction: Lansing
County: Leavenworth
Death Date: 10/5/1905
Added to Memorial: 1987
Circumstances of Death: Beating
On October 4, 1905, Officer Owens had taken prisoner W. B. Cunningham to do survey work outside the penitentiary. In an escape attempt, Cunningham assaulted the officer by delivering a severe blow to Owen’s solar plexus. The inmate was quickly captured and was charged with felonious assault and murder. The blow to Owens resulted in internal bleeding and a heart attack. He died the day after the assault.
Panel: 17