Prev
Incident
Deputy Warden John Robinson was stabbed to death during an escape attempt at the Montana State Prison. He had escorted two prisoners to the wardens office to answer for some minor offence. As he closed the door both prisoners attacked both him and the warden with penknives. The warden was able to produce a pistol and shot both prisoners. Deputy Warden Robinson's jugular vein was severed and he bled to death at the scene. The warden, whose throat had been cut, was seriously injured. Both prisoners recovered from their wounds and were convicted of Deputy Warden Robinson's murder. They were both hanged; one on June 15, 1908; the other on April 7, 1909.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn9kt939txzfy93as92y- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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.
Deputy Warden Robinson served with the Montana Department of Corrections.
Thank you for your service to the people of Montana. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Warden Robinson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Montana Department of Corrections - State Prison has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 2 officers in MT were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
March holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Sundays: 14%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Montana Department of Corrections - State Prison, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 1.1% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Montana Department of Corrections - State Prison has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Montana Department of Corrections - State Prison are honored on badge.nw.
