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Incident
Constable Gonzalez was shot and killed while off duty by a man who held a grudge against him. Constable Gonzalez had stopped by a pool hall he owned and, as he was playing pool, was shot in the head by the suspect. The suspect was sentenced to 20 years but released after serving only 13 years. Shortly after being released he was stopped for a traffic violation by a state trooper and shot and killed when he began to struggle with the trooper. Constable Gonzalez had previously served with the Zapata County Sheriff's Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and family.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Gonzalez gave the Zapata County Constable's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Zapata community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Gonzalez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Manuel is the only officer of Zapata County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 remembered here.
Manuel is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Manuel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Manuel 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 1977, 8 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Manuel was 43. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Manuel had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Manuel was 43. 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. Manuel had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Manuel was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Manuel had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Zapata County Constable's Office - Precinct 1. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Zapata County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 are honored on badge.nw.