Willis Shipman

Connecticut Department of Correction — Wethersfield, CT

Felonious

End of Watch September 1, 1877

The Vigil Panel 5 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 4

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.

Watchman Shipman, it has been 147 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Connecticut.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall Georges Mills, NH September 1st, 2024

In Our Keeping

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Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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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

Department Connecticut Department of Correction

Location Wethersfield, CT

Platform Identity cdc.capitol.ct.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch September 1, 1877

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Officer's handgun

Offender Executed in 1880

Watchman Willis Shipman is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In CT, 74 of 169 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.4 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.

At Connecticut Department of Correction, 5 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.

Connecticut Department of Correction

of 5 officers

100% Felonious

CT — Statewide

of 169 officers

43.8% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious