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Incident
Sergeant John Coax and Deputy Warden John Pieper were shot and killed during an attempted prison escape at Western Penitentiary (modern-day SCI Pittsburgh). The escape attempt started when a gas main exploded near the prison's front gates. In the ensuing panic of the prisoners fleeing towards the prison's yard, a guard was disarmed. The inmates used the weapon to shoot and kill Deputy Warden Pieper and Sergeant Coax. Local police and deputies responded to the prison. They were able to prevent the escape and assist with bringing the situation under control. Five inmates were charged with first-degree murder. Two were acquitted. Each of the other three was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. One received the death penalty and was executed on December 27th, 1926. Sergeant Coax had served with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, son, father, mother, and two sisters. His second daughter was born a few months later.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, son, father, mother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Coax gave the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Pennsylvania. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Coax.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has lost 18 officers; 13 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 2 officers at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 16 officers in PA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 29. Of the 13 killed feloniously at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 52; the middle age was 40. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 8.4 years.
John was 29. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 23.1% of these deaths at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, more than any other month. Mondays: 46.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 72.2% of all 18 deaths at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 15.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has 18 officers remembered here, John among them.
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James Gastin Oct 31, 1844
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Michael Doran May 31, 1884
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James A. Bloomer Mar 25, 1892
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John Taylor Coax
Feb 11, 1924
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John August Pieper
Feb 11, 1924
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Edwin H. Lichtenberger Jul 17, 1944
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Charles Robert Elder
Aug 9, 1954
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Clifford Joseph Grogan, SR
Nov 12, 1965
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Steven Phillip Ary Sr.
Sep 16, 1973
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Walter Lee Peterson
Dec 10, 1973
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Edward L. Boyer Jun 5, 1977
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Felix Mokychic
Mar 20, 1979
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Francis William Wilt, Jr.
May 20, 1980
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David Hiram Bowser, Jr.
Nov 13, 2002
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David Michael Weaver
Sep 26, 2016
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Mark James Baserman
Feb 26, 2018
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Mark Anthony Gaspich
Oct 10, 2018
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Timothy Luke Prough
Nov 3, 2021
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Pennsylvania Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
