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Incident
Jailer Cornelius Sweeney succumbed to a gunshot wound when a group of men opened fire on the jail.
A subject had been arrested for sexual assaults. For days, a mob would form and threaten to break the prisoner out of jail. Finally, on August 24th, a group of men fired at the guards, striking Jailer Sweeney and starting their assault on the jail. Civilians came to the aid of the guards and forced the mob to retreat. When the riot was over, the prisoner was found dead in his cell.
Jailer Sweeney succumbed to his injuries three months later.
Jailer Sweeney was a Civil War veteran. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, four stepdaughters, and a stepson.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, four stepdaughters, and a stepson.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Jailer Sweeney served with the Refugio County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Refugio community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Cornelius Sweeney served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Refugio County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Cornelius is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Cornelius is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Cornelius 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 1884, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1884, 52 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 137th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1884, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Cornelius was 53. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Cornelius was 53. 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.
Cornelius was 53. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Refugio County Sheriff's Department. 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
Refugio County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Cornelius among them.
Where
Military Service
Cornelius Sweeney served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Cornelius Sweeney’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Refugio County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
