Deputy Jailer Charles Wentworth was killed inside the Shelby County Jail when an inmate attempted to escape using a smuggled handgun. The weapon had been brought into the facility by the inmate’s girlfriend; the inmate used it to shoot Deputy Wentworth in the abdomen while Wentworth was escorting him to use a telephone. The inmate was captured, later pleaded guilty to murder, and received two life terms. The woman who smuggled the gun was sentenced to 20 years after convictions that included her role in the murder, complicity to escape and theft charges.

Wentworth had been with the Shelby County Detention Center for two weeks at the time of his death and had previously served as a constable. He is survived by an expectant wife and six children. If anyone knew Deputy Wentworth or has information about the events that led to the weapon being brought into the jail, please share what you know.