Clifford Grogan,
1965
Clifford Joseph Grogan, SR served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Edged weapon
What Happened
Correctional Officer Clifford Grogan was stabbed to death after coming to the aid of a fellow officer who was being attacked in the Western Penitentiary. He was just finishing up his shift when he observed the attack at approximately 3:15 pm. When he attempted to pull the inmate off of the other guard he slipped and went down on one knee. The inmate then started attacking and stabbing him with a 10-inch shank, striking him in the heart. The other guard suffered serious injuries but recovered. Despite being stabbed, Officer Grogan continued to struggle with the suspect and was able to subdue him. Officer Grogan passed out from a loss of blood and succumbed to the stab wounds. The 26-year-old inmate was serving a 30 to 60-year sentence for convictions of armed robbery, several burglaries, and purse snatchings. The judge, who sentenced him in 1962, called him a "mad dog." He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on November 2nd, 1966. On June 24th, 1967, he was executed in the electric chair. Officer Grogan was a U.S Navy veteran of WWII and had served with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his expectant wife, and three children.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Correctional Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
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