Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Lee Russ died after being stabbed while at the scene of a domestic disturbance.
Deputy Russ had responded to a 911 call placed by the suspect's wife. Deputy Russ was the first officer on the scene and became involved in a struggle with the suspect. After stabbing Deputy Russ, the suspect then continued to stab his wife to death.
Despite his wounds, Deputy Russ was able fatally shoot the subject. Deputy Russ had been stabbed a total of 15 times with a large knife.
Deputy Russ had served with the Ward County Sheriff's Office for eleven years.
Survivors
He is survived by three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtny84ejxrdpnqh481ace- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Lee. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Russ gave the Ward County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Monahans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Russ.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ward County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Lee is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Lee is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lee is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2000, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2000, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2000, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lee was 48. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Lee had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Lee was 48. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Lee had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lee was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lee had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Ward County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Ward County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Lee among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ward County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.