Keeper James Gastin, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania

Keeper James Gastin

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Thursday, October 31, 1844

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James Gastin

Keeper James Gastin was beaten to death by an insane inmate in the Eastern State Penitentiary.

The inmate had become irate inside of his cell after being refused recreation time. Keeper Gastin entered the cell to try to quiet the inmate, but the man attacked him with a floorboard that he had pulled from the floor. He beat Keeper Gastin with the floorboard and repeatedly stomped on him. The inmate then put on Keeper Gastin's clothes and attempted to escape.

Another keeper recognized the inmate and, with the help of other officers, was able to subdue him and put him into a cell.

The inmate confessed to murdering Keeper Gastin and also to previously murdering his own father.

Bio

Age 40
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Blunt object; Lumber
Offender Charged with murder

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It has been 180 years since your brutal death. Time has not diminished your bravery for entering that cell. Please be assured that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Keeper Gastin.

Elizabeth Haugen Mosqueda.
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

October 31, 2024