CONVICTS MUTINY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 69, 14 December 1937, Page 5

CONVICTS MUTINY

— pi««b Asan.

Captain of Guards Stabbed to Death ATTEMPTED ESCAPE

(Bj VoleeiaDb

— Copvutlit.l

(Eeceived 14, 8.45 a.m.) NEW YOEK Dec. 12. A message from Columbia (Soulh Carolina) states that Olin Sanders, captain of the guards at the State penitentiary, was stabbed to death by six eonvicts who seized his office and held hira prisoner in an attempt to escape. The fatal wounds were inflicted while Governor Johnston stood outside the window of the office sliouting and pleading with the prisoners to release Mr. Sanders. The militia hnrled tear gas into the office, subduing and capturing the eonviets after several hours' •terror and confusion. An official explanation is laeking as to how the eonviets gained access to the office. Apparently they slinped in at breakfast time, for they were there when Mr. Sanders returned from his routine morning inspection. The convicts demanded that Mr. Sanders should telephone and order a car to he brought to the door, but Mr. Sanders refused. A corporal of the guard appeared at the window, and Mr. Sanders shouted an explanation of the situation, despite the threats of the convicts, who were armed with knives. The corporal gave notice to the superintendent and the governor. The latter ordered out the militia while dressing, and hurried to the prison. He talked with Mr. Sanders through the windcNv. Mr. Sanders asked: "Please get me out of here." Mr. Johnston offered to permit the convicts to return to the cells without punishment if they would free Mr. Sanders, but they refused and cursed and stabbed Mr. Sanders as a result of his persistent refusals to summon a car. The militia arrived an hour later. The convicts were armed with five knives, three of which had been irnprovised from scissor blades, and one dummy pistol.