Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Harold Humphus and Deputy Otis Watkins were shot and killed while attempting to bring an escapee back to the Austin State Mental Hospital. While placing the subject in the patrol vehicle, the man was able to gain control of Deputy Humphus' revolver and shot both deputies. The suspect was arrested a short distance away carrying the deputies' shotgun. The Falls County Sheriff was furious, stating, How long are they gonna let these --------- mental hospitals just let inmates walk out?" The inmate walked out through an unlocked door. On November 10, 1976, the suspect, 26, was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to 50 years. Deputy Watkins served with the Falls County Sheriff's Office as a part-time deputy for 20 years and had only been a full-time deputy for 1 year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtptekedr7656bd1dk0dh- 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 Elbert. 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
21 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Watkins gave the Falls County Sheriff's Office 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Marlin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Watkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Falls County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Elbert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Elbert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elbert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 2 officers at Falls County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1973, 19 officers in TX were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elbert was 66. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Falls County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 36.3 and 56.3; the middle age was 46.5. Elbert had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 21 years.
Elbert was 66. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Elbert had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Elbert was 66. 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. Elbert had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elbert was 66. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elbert had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 40% of these deaths at Falls County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 40%. Tuesdays: 40%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Falls County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Falls County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Elbert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Falls County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
