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Joseph Brian Gomm
Incident
Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm was beaten to death by an inmate at Minnesota Correction Facility–Stillwater at approximately 1:30 p.m.
He was supervising inmates in the prison's industry building when he was attacked by one inmate with a hammer. Officer Gomm was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he succumbed to his injuries. The inmate was charged with first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Gomm had served with the Minnesota Department of Corrections for 16 years. survivors include mother, three brothers, and two sisters.
In August 2019, a portion of MN State Highway 95, running from Interstate 94 in Lakeland to MN State Highway 36 in Oak Park Heights, was renamed Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm Memorial Highway.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Corrections Officer II Gomm gave the Minnesota Department of Corrections 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Minnesota. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corrections Officer II Gomm.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Minnesota Department of Corrections has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 2018, 1 officer in MN was killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 2018, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2018, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 45. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Joseph had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Joseph was 45. 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. Joseph had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13.9% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Wednesdays: 12.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Minnesota Department of Corrections, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object; hammer, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object; hammer, in 0.6% 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 blunt object; hammer, 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 blunt object; hammer, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Minnesota Department of Corrections has 3 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Minnesota Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw.
