Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1973

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Arthur Sprouse

Correctional Officer Arthur Sprouse was shot and killed by an inmate who was able to obtain a firearm at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville.

The inmate then held three guards hostage for more than an hour. When guards rushed the suspect and subdued him, Officer Gary Underwood was accidentally shot and killed by one of the guards.

A guard who had recently been fired was charged with smuggling the gun to the inmate. The 24-year-old inmate, who was serving a life sentence for a 1970 murder, received another life sentence on August 15th, 1973, when convicted of murdering Officer Sprouse. He will be eligible for parole on July 1, 2029.

Office Sprouse had served with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for 11 months. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 11 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

escape attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Uncle Art has always been a huge part of my life. It was the first time I had ever seen my dad and his brother cry. It was something that could never be undone. As my son got older, the first job he applied for was as a prison guard. I asked him not to take that job, and I told him the story. Uncle Art's death has had such an impact on our family. He has been loved and respected through generations. He lives on in our family.

Terri Stapleton
Great niece

July 10, 2025