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Incident
Sheriff Humphreys was shot and killed while going to the assistance of one of his constables during an attempted jailbreak.
An inmate had attacked the constable and taken his weapon. Sheriff Humphreys heard a commotion at the jail and went to investigate with a friend. As soon as he rounded the top flight of the stairs and stepped into the doorway, he was shot and killed. Another inmate also killed his friend. During this time, Sheriff' Humphreys' son grabbed the keys from their home, which was across the street, and opened the gun cabinet. Another deputy took the rifle from Sheriff Humphreys' son and struck the suspect on the neck, where he collapsed and died on the steps.
Sheriff Humphreys had served with Newton County for ten years. He was survived by his wife and seven children. His son, who helped stop the jailbreak, became the Sheriff of Newton County for 24 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Humphreys gave the Newton County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Humphreys.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Newton County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1932, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 45. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. David had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
David was 45. 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. David had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Newton County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Newton County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Newton County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
