Jailer D. Frank Burkett, Walker County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

Jailer D. Frank Burkett

Walker County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, June 29, 1948

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D. Frank Burkett

Jailer Frank Burkett was hit on the head and mortally wounded by two men making their escape from the Walker County Jail.

The prisoners put a lock into a sock and struck him as he opened the cell door. He died the next day. Both suspects were recaptured and charged with Jailer Burkett's murder two days later.

One suspect, 24, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. The other suspect, 21, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He escaped four times while in custody and received a three-year federal term for fleeing to avoid confinement and was sent to the Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. He was released in 1956.

Jailer Burkett had served in law enforcement for 40 years, serving as a deputy sheriff with the Walker County Sheriff's Office, Chief of Police for the Townley Police Department, and Parrish Police Department. He was survived by his wife and three sons.

Bio

Age 73
Tour 40 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Incident Date Monday, June 28, 1948
Weapon Blunt object
Offender Released in 1956.

escape, prisoner custody, correctional Facility

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Most Recent Reflection

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Frank,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Walker County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 29, 2023