Middlesex County Sheriff's Office, Massachusetts
End of Watch Sunday, May 14, 1961
Add to My HeroesDavid S. Robinson, Sr.
Jail Master David Robinson was shot and killed during an escape attempt by two inmates from the old county jail on Third Street, adjacent to the courthouse in East Cambridge.
The inmate who shot Jail Master Robinson was awaiting trial for the murder of Patrolman Lawrence W. Gorman of the Cambridge Police Department on September 3rd, 1960. The man committed suicide three days after murdering Jail Master Robinson when police stormed a Boston apartment where he was hiding.
The second inmate, who was awaiting trial for the murder of a clerk in a Saugus clothing store, was captured four days later while robbing a store in New Hampshire. He was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison. In December 1985 he escaped from prison and he remained at large until March 22nd, 2005, when he was arrested in Chicago, Illinois. He was denied parole on January 12th, 2010.
Jail Master Robinson had served with the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office for 27 years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and three brothers.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 27 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsJail Master Robinson, it has been 63 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 27 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
May 14, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024