Roll of Honor
Incident
Guard John Campbell was shot and killed by an inmate with his own revolver.
A 19-year-old inmate refused to obey Guard Campbell's order to work and attacked him with a saw. Before Guard Campbell could use his gun, the inmate was upon him and a terrible struggle took place for possession of the weapon. A moment later the revolver discharged, and Guard Campbell fell to the floor, shot through the head. A prisoner who came to Guard Campbell's aid was shot in the leg and wounded. Another guard arriving on the scene shot and wounded the suspect.
The prisoner who came to Guard Campbell's aid was later pardoned for his actions to assist Guard Campbell. The prisoner who murdered Guard Campbell later died in prison of tuberculosis.
Guard Campbell had served with the New Castle County Workhouse for eight years.
Survivors
HE was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-DE-A51A71A1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Guard Campbell gave the New Castle County Workhouse 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Castle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard Campbell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Guard John F. Campbell 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 DE, 25 of 51 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 49% of this state's fallen. That is 5.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Castle County Workhouse, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John F. Campbell's cause is highlighted.
How John F. Campbell Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and wounded
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John F. Campbell is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John F. Campbell was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from New Castle County Workhouse are honored on badge.nw.
