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Incident
Watchman Willis Shipman was shot and killed by two inmates who were attempting to escape the Wethersfield State Prison. Watchman Shipman was working the night shift and was the only watchman on duty in the prison. Two prisoners, who were serving eight year sentences for burglary, planned an escape that night. One inmate had made a skeleton key that would open all the locks in the prison. As they made their escape they were confronted by Watchman Shipman, who ordered them to stop. When they refused, Watchman Shipman fired two shots. One of the men threw up his hands and yelled "Don't Shoot. I'm hit and killed." That threw off Watchman Shipman long enough for both men to attack him.
They took his gun, tied him up and gagged him. As the convicts were continuing their escape, Watchman Shipman was able to get his gag loose and call for help. When the convicts ordered him to stop, he refused. One of the inmates then shot and killed Watchman Shipman with his own gun.
Both inmates were apprehended and charged with first degree murder. A prison watchman was also charged with murder when it was discovered that the inmates had bribed him into giving them money and articles that they used in their escape.
The inmate that fired the fatal shot was executed by hanging for the murder of Watchman Shipman on May 28, 1880. The other inmate was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was later declared insane and sent to the Connecticut Insane Asylum in Middletown where he remained until his death in December of 1897. The watchman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on January 30, 1899.
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Tributes
149 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Shipman served with the Connecticut Department of Correction.
Thank you for your service to the Wethersfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Connecticut Department of Correction has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Willis is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
Willis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Willis is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1877, 1 officer at Connecticut Department of Correction was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1877, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1877, 35 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 149th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1877, 38 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 150th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
September holds 20% of these deaths at Connecticut Department of Correction; March holds the most, 40%. Saturdays: 20%.
September holds 9.5% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Saturdays: 12.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Connecticut Department of Correction. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Connecticut Department of Correction has 5 officers remembered here, Willis among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Connecticut Department of Correction are honored on badge.nw.
