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Incident
Captain John Sanders was stabbed to death by six inmates during an escape attempt from the South Carolina State Penitentiary in Columbia, South Carolina. The escape attempt started when one of the six inmates entered Captain Sanders' office to discuss a personal matter he had made up. As the two spoke, a second inmate entered the office without permission. The two inmates tied up Captain Sanders and demanded that he bring a car to the door so they could escape. When Captain Sanders refused the demand, one of the inmates stabbed him. The other four inmates then entered the office. Captain Sanders summoned his assistant and apprised him of the situation and the inmates' demands. The assistant called for reinforcements, and more than 200 law enforcement officers responded to the penitentiary. After a 3-hour standoff, tear gas was fired into the office. As officers stormed the office, an inmate stabbed Captain Sanders in the chest, just below the heart. All six inmates were taken into custody. They were all convicted of murdering Captain Sanders and executed in the electric chair on March 24, 1939. Captain Sanders had served with the South Carolina Department of Corrections for seven years and had served in law enforcement for 37 years. He had previously served with the Anderson Police Department, Anderson County Magistrate's Office, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, and the South Carolina State Constabulary. He was survived by his wife, four sons, and one daughter. South Carolina State Penitentiary in Columbia was the primary state prison until it was demolished in 1999.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four sons, and one daughter.
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
37 years. You could have gone home.
Captain Sanders gave the South Carolina Department of Corrections 37 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the people of South Carolina. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Sanders.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
South Carolina Department of Corrections has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 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 1937, 4 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 61. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
John was 61. 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 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 61. 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 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.2% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Sundays: 19.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at South Carolina Department of Corrections. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 1.5% 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
South Carolina Department of Corrections has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from South Carolina Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw.
