Lieutenant Harold Atkinson was stabbed to death while assigned to the Missouri State Penitentiary.

On January 20, 1975, an extensive search of the prison was conducted after Lieutenant Atkinson failed to turn in his radio when his shift ended at 4:30 p.m. At 8:45 p.m. his body was discovered concealed underneath cell bunk 2B-296 in G Hall with more than 60 stab wounds. A note was discovered with his body threatening to kill more corrections officers if prisoners' demands were met.

Two inmates, one serving a sentence for murder and the other for first-degree robbery were convicted of Lieutenant Atkinson's murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. The murder spurred a public discussion on the reinstatement of the death penalty in Missouri.

Lieutenant Atkinson was a 24-year veteran of the Missouri Department of Corrections and was to retire in April. He was survived by his wife, Margie, two daughters, three sons, a brother and eight grandchildren. Interred: Allen Cemetery, Olean, Missouri.