Correctional Officer Frieda Belle King, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

Correctional Officer Frieda Belle King

Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, February 8, 1983

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Frieda Belle King

Correctional Officer Frieda King was stabbed to death with a 12-inch long butcher knife by an inmate near the cold storage area of the kitchen at the Pontiac Correctional Center.

The inmate was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. On January 11, 2003, the outgoing governor granted clemency to all 167 Illinois death row inmates as one of his last acts in office. The inmate's sentence was commuted to life without parole.

Correctional Officer King had served with the Illinois Department of Corrections for over two years. She was survived by three daughters, four sons, seven sisters, four brothers and three grandchildren.

Correctional Officer King is the first known female law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in the state of Illinois.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 2 years, 3 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
Offender Death sentence commuted

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer King,
Your service means a great deal to the community of pontiac. I am very sadden by not being able to meet you seeing as you are my great grandmother, I would’ve been a pleasure to meet you. Hearing all the stories from my family members such as grandmother Marsha King(Clark) is very meaningful to me as they have such heartfelt words to say about you.
Thank you for you service and you are always remembered.

Theresa Heger
Great Grand Daughter

May 24, 2025