U.S. Navy · United States 
Luther Fails
1974
Luther F. Fails served the U.S. Navy for 2 years.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Edged weapon
What Happened
Lieutenant Luther Fails was stabbed to death by an inmate at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility at 1240 Ross Road in Atmore. He and two other guards were escorting a 24-year-old inmate from the exercise yard back to his cell when he suddenly attacked them with a knife. Another guard killed the inmate with a blow to his head. All three guards were injured in the attack. The inmate had a history of attacking guards. Lieutenant Fails was a United States Navy WWII veteran and had served with the Alabama Department of Corrections for 21 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and four daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1944 – 1946
Also Served
Alabama Department of Corrections
Lieutenant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmvpxsm3xxsce92sb2n6
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 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 Luther. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Luther.
Leave a Tribute