Incident
Guard Eeles was killed during a prison riot. Guard Eeles had served with the agency for over 25 years and was the prison's executioner. Eight prison guards were killed when prisoners at the Colorado State Penitentiary rioted. A total of 2,000 rounds of ammunition were fired during the riot and large sections of the prison were destroyed by fire. In addition to the eight guards, the rioting prisoners also murdered two inmates. Three of riot's ringleaders committed suicide.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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25 years. You could have gone home.
Guard Eeles gave the Colorado Department of Corrections 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the people of Colorado. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard Eeles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Colorado Department of Corrections has lost 18 officers; 14 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 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 1929, 8 officers at Colorado Department of Corrections were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 9 officers in CO were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 70. Of the 12 killed feloniously at Colorado Department of Corrections whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 62.3; the middle age was 53.5. John had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 16 years.
John was 70. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. John had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 70. 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 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 70. 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 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 64.3% of these deaths at Colorado Department of Corrections, more than any other month. Thursdays: 71.4%.
October holds 11.9% of these deaths in CO, more than any other month. Thursdays: 15.7%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 77.8% of all 18 deaths at Colorado Department of Corrections, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 1.7% 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 unknown weapon, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Colorado Department of Corrections has 18 officers remembered here, John among them.
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Thomas Tobin Jul 4, 1899
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William C. Rooney Jan 22, 1900
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John B. Russell Jun 19, 1913
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Raymond Brown Oct 3, 1929
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John J. Eeles Oct 3, 1929
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Elmer G. Erwin Oct 3, 1929
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J. W. McClelland Oct 3, 1929
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C. Walter Rinker Oct 3, 1929
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Charles G. Shepherd Oct 3, 1929
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Robert A. Wiggins Oct 3, 1929
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Myron H. Goodwin Oct 10, 1929
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Victor Bryan McMillin Dec 21, 1961
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Marc A. Perse
Aug 15, 1994
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Eric Jason Autobee
Oct 18, 2002
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Mary Katherine Ricard
Sep 24, 2012
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Thomas Lynn Clements
Mar 19, 2013
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Joshua Eli Voth
Dec 4, 2019
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Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Sep 28, 2023
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Colorado Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.





