Correctional Officer Ronald A. Barnes, Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia

Correctional Officer Ronald A. Barnes

Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia

End of Watch Monday, March 24, 1975

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Ronald A. Barnes

Correctional Officer Ronald Barnes died from acute head injuries after he was beaten by two inmates, both 19, during an attempted escape at the Southampton Correctional Center a few hours earlier.

The two kicked Officer Barnes in the head several times and then robbed him and another guard. They unlocked all the cells, but only a few joined them in their escape. All were captured. Some of the inmates helped with their capture.

Both were new inmates, sentenced to 25-year terms, one for murder, the other for rape. In 1976, both were sentenced to death plus 25 years for robbery and escape. In October of 1976, their death sentences were commuted to life. As of October 30, 2022, one was still in prison. The other was listed as a prison inmate in 1997.

Officer Barnes was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Virginia Department of Corrections for four years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Person
Offender Sentenced to life

correctional Facility, escape, prisoner custody

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Officer Barnes,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 16, 2025