National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Prison Guard

Memorial Panel: 40-W: 25

Department: Texas Department of Criminal Justice

End of Watch: May 10, 1935

Cause: SHOT

Age:

Years of Service:

Description: Guard Welch, of the Eastham Prison Farm, was shot during a jailbreak by a group of convicts. A fight erupted between inmates about a dice game. Guard Welch ran downstairs and was shot by a prisoner as he reached the landing. The prisoners also beat Guard Tom Stephens unconscious. The prisoners stole all available weapons and fled. Two convicts were shot as they ran across a field. Three inmates were not captured.