Alcatraz Prison Guard, Murder Victim. Hired as a prison guard in 1931, Cline was first assigned to the US Detention Farm at La Tuna, Texas. In 1934 he was transferred to the new Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary where he rose up to the rank of Senior Custodial Officer. On May 22, 1938, he was assigned to the prison's wood working shop and unarmed when escaping prisoners Thomas Limerick, Rufus Franklin, and James Lucas attacked him with a hammer. Mortally injured by the attack, he died the next day becoming the first of three federal prison guards to be killed in the line of duty at Alcatraz. Limerick was shot and killed by Off. Harold Stites after the three inmates attempted to take control of his guard tower. Franklin, who was also wounded during the escape, and Lucas were later convicted for Cline's murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Alcatraz Prison Guard, Murder Victim. Hired as a prison guard in 1931, Cline was first assigned to the US Detention Farm at La Tuna, Texas. In 1934 he was transferred to the new Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary where he rose up to the rank of Senior Custodial Officer. On May 22, 1938, he was assigned to the prison's wood working shop and unarmed when escaping prisoners Thomas Limerick, Rufus Franklin, and James Lucas attacked him with a hammer. Mortally injured by the attack, he died the next day becoming the first of three federal prison guards to be killed in the line of duty at Alcatraz. Limerick was shot and killed by Off. Harold Stites after the three inmates attempted to take control of his guard tower. Franklin, who was also wounded during the escape, and Lucas were later convicted for Cline's murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Bio by: G.Photographer
Inscription
Quad stone with Arel V. Cline, T. Burel Cline & Edah I. Cline
Family Members
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