Joseph J. Cushman, 52, was killed on October 24, 1982 at Menard Correctional Center in Illinois while working as an agricultural lead worker for the Illinois Department of Corrections. Cushman had served with the department for 19 years and was described as treating everyone, including inmates, with respect and humanity.

The attack was carried out by inmate Bruce Davis, who was attempting to escape. Davis bludgeoned Cushman with a blunt object and then stole Cushman’s pickup truck in an effort to flee. Davis was later captured, returned to Illinois, and convicted of Cushman’s murder. Davis died by suicide in his cell at the Menard Psychiatric Center on December 12, 1988.

Cushman left behind his wife of 32 years, a daughter, and four sons. Does anyone have additional details about Cushman’s life or the circumstances at Menard that day?