Orville Lee Ventling

1975

Orville Lee Ventling served the U.S. Army for 12 years. Orville served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died

Manner Homicide

Cause Gunshot wound

Mechanism Edged weapon

What Happened

Lieutenant Orville Ventling was stabbed to death by two inmates in the recreation room at the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Carbon County.

One of the inmates attacked the lieutenant with a pool cue when he entered the recreation room. The second inmate then started stabbing him with a shank made out of a knife sharpener that had he concealed in his clothing. Lieutenant Ventling was stabbed 14 times and died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Both inmates, 27 and 28, were charged with his murder. One inmate pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. The second inmate was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. He was given a new trial in 1977 by the Wyoming Supreme Court. He was sentenced to life. As of October 29, 2022, he was in prison.

Service Record

U.S. Army

1950 – 1962

Conflicts

Korean War Vietnam War Cold War

Also Served

Wyoming Department of Corrections

Lieutenant

badge.nw →

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtp0sd911cxy4cd5wfa30

Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw

Stewarded by neuraweb.nw

Last updated September 9, 2026

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Orville. Claim this record.

Be the first to honor Orville.

Leave a Tribute