Sergeant James Stiner

Sergeant James Stiner

Arizona Department of Corrections, Arizona

End of Watch Monday, September 18, 1967

Add to My Heroes

James Stiner

Sergeant James Stiner was shot and killed after being abducted by a prisoner he was transporting from Pinal County Superior Court.

During the court session, the prisoner was somehow passed a handgun by his wife which he hid until his return trip to jail. During the return trip, he made Sergeant Stiner drive to a remote area of desert two miles Coolidge, where he fatally shot him.

The subject was captured less than 24 hours later after being involved in a shootout with members of the Casa Grande Police Department. In March 1968 the subject was convicted of Sergeant Stiner's murder and was sentenced to two life terms in prison.

In 1976 the subject escaped a second time after his two sons smuggled a shotgun into the prison. One of his sons was killed in a shootout with authorities when they encountered a roadblock. Sergeant Stiner's killer fled on foot from the roadblock but was found dead of heat exhaustion nearby 11 days later. His other son and a second accomplice were arrested and charged with aiding his escape as well as four unrelated murders.

Sergeant Stine was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. He had served with the Arizona Department of Corrections for five years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and one stepson.

Bio

  • Age 65
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

escape, transport, abducted

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 18, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.