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Incident
Guard Robert Stephens was killed after being struck on the head with a pick ax as he supervised a chaingang doing roadwork south of Arkwright, South Carolina.
After knocking the guard unconscious, the inmate then stole two pistols and $40 in cash from Guard Stephens' pockets before fleeing.
The man was arrested in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 19, 1916 and returned to Spartanburg County and charged with Guard Stephens' murder.
The inmate who was serving a life sentence for a 1913 murder was convicted of Guard Stephens' murder and sentenced to death. He appealed and was granted a new trial. On October 5, 1917, he died in prison while awaiting his new trial.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Guard Stephens served with the Spartanburg County Detention Facility.
Thank you for your service to the Spartanburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard Stephens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Spartanburg County Detention Facility remembered here.
Robert is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1914, 2 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 22. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 22. 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.
Robert was 22. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Mondays: 13.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Spartanburg County Detention Facility. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; pick ax, in 100% 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; pick ax, in 0.4% 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; pick ax, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; pick ax, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
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