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David Warren McGuinn
Incident
Officer David McGuinn was stabbed to death in the maximum-security Maryland House of Correction in Jessup, Maryland, while conducting a nightly prisoner count at 10:00 pm.
Two inmates had jimmied their cell doors and then attacked Officer McGuinn on the fourth tier as he walked past their cells. He was stabbed repeatedly in the neck, head, thighs, and back in areas not protected by his stab-vest. He was able to break free and retreated down two flights of stairs before he collapsed. Other officers immediately came to his assistance. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds one hour later.
One of the inmates was found incompetent to stand trial. On February 9th, 2012, the other inmate was convicted of first-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Officer McGuinn had served with the Maryland State Division of Correction for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his children and fiancee.
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.
Officer McGuinn gave the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Maryland. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer McGuinn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 195 officers killed feloniously in MD, 51.6% of the 378 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 2006, 2 officers at Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2006, 3 officers in MD were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 104 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 2006, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2006, 79 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 42. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 44; the middle age was 42. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 3.5 years.
David was 42. Of the 178 killed feloniously in MD whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43.8; the middle age was 35. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
David was 42. 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. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 33.3% of these deaths at Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 16.7%.
July holds 9.7% of these deaths in MD; June holds the most, 11.8%. Tuesdays: 15.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.6% of all 378 deaths in MD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.6% 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
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction has 6 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction are honored on badge.nw.
