Correctional Officer James P. Zeiger, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

Correctional Officer James P. Zeiger

Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, January 11, 1973

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James P. Zeiger

Correctional Officer James Zeiger was stabbed to death while walking the 8th Gallery of Cell House B at the Stateville Correctional Center.

An inmate attacked him from behind, stabbing him eight times with a knife, inflicting a fatal wound to the heart. The inmate then threw Correctional Officer Zeiger over the rail to the concrete floor 40 feet below.

The suspect was denied parole in 2001 and later died while still incarcerated.

Correctional Officer Zeiger had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for three years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 3 years
Badge 373

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
Offender Died in prison

convicted felon, correctional Facility, prisoner custody

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Most Recent Reflection

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Dear Zeiger Family,
Very sorry for your loss of a great man,
Correctional Officer James P. Zeiger.
I see his face every day at work (Stateville)
and say prayers for your whole family. God bless
and comfort each of you with His Word, always.
Thankful for James' valuable service and sacrifice, always remembered.
With sincere gratitude,

Nancy E. Ebbers, Office Assistant
IDOC

August 26, 2025