Correctional Officer Luell Wheeler Barrow, Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama

Correctional Officer Luell Wheeler Barrow

Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama

End of Watch Friday, January 18, 1974

Add to My Heroes

Luell Wheeler Barrow

Officer Luell Barrow was stabbed to death during a prisoner uprising at the state prison in Atmore.

Officer Barrow and another guard were taken hostage by four inmates wielding homemade knives. They demanded to speak to the commissioner and while talking to him, stabbed both officers, killing Officer Barrow and injuring the other officer. They were rushed at that point and one of the hostage-takers was killed by gunfire.

One inmate, serving five life sentences for 1971 convictions of four counts of burglary and one count of rape, was sentenced to death for the murder of Officer Barrow. The inmate had been sentenced under a Civil War-era law which supported the death penalty for lifers convicted of murder. In 1989 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law was unconstitutional and overturned the conviction. He was paroled on May 21, 1991.

Officer Barrow had previously served with the United States Navy in World War II.

Bio

Age 54
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon
Offender Paroled in 1991.

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Officer Barrow,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like t 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. Navy during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 18, 2024