United States of America
Headstone of Frank Butcher

Frank Butcher

Died March 13, 1930

Frank Butcher.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Deputy Keeper Frank Butcher was shot and killed by an inmate who was attempting to escape from the Trenton State Prison (now known as New Jersey State Prison). The inmate attacked an officer with a blackjack, knocking him unconscious and stealing his gun. When Deputy Butcher and other officers approached the suspect, shots were exchanged, and Deputy Butcher was killed. The suspect fled into a cell, where he killed himself before he could be apprehended. The suspect had been serving a life sentence for the murder of Patrolman Bernard Murray, of the Hoboken Police Department, on October 2, 1918. Deputy Butcher had served with the agency for nearly five years and was a veteran of the WWI.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children, the youngest born just months after Deputy Butcher's death.
Media
Frank Butcher
Frank Butcher 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
New Jersey Department of Corrections
Deputy Keeper
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 48-W · Line 6 cut as FRANK BUTCHER
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtqp9njp97kgxq15bk1am
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Deputy Keeper Butcher gave the New Jersey Department of Corrections 4 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of New Jersey, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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