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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Billy Kennedy was shot and killed after responding to a larceny call at a convenience store on South Burleson Avenue, in McCamey, at approximately 11:15 pm.
After he arrived at the scene he encountered a male subject and the two exchanged gunfire. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Kennedy was able to return fire and wounded the suspect.
In June 2019 the subject was convicted of Deputy Kennedy's murder and was sentenced to death.
Deputy Kennedy had served in law enforcement for 14 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Kennedy gave the Upton County Sheriff's Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rankin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Upton County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Billy is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Billy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Billy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2013, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2013, 43 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 144th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2013, 49 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Billy was 38. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Billy had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Billy was 38. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Upton County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Upton County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, Billy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Upton County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
