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Incident
Deputy City Marshal Charles Baker was shot and killed on Silvercrest Street, near Parker Road, when he and his partner stopped a man to serve a misdemeanor traffic warrant at about 9:30 pm. Unbeknownst to the deputy marshals, the man had just robbed a nearby bar. When they attempted to detain the man a struggle ensued. The suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Deputy Marshal Baker in the chest at point-blank range. He then shot at the other deputy marshal but struck the patrol car. He shot Deputy Marshal Baker once more in the thigh before he exchanged gunfire with the other deputy marshal. The subject was hit in the thigh before fleeing the scene. The man was apprehended four days later in Kentucky with an untreated bullet wound. He was extradited back to Texas, convicted of capital murder, and subsequently executed for the crime in 1986. Deputy Marshal Baker had served with the Houston Marshal's Office for four years and had previously served with the Houston Park Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
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.
Deputy City Marshal Baker gave the Houston City Marshal's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Houston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy City Marshal Baker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charles is the only officer of Houston City Marshal's Office remembered here.
Charles is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 52. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Charles had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Charles was 52. 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. Charles had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 52. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Houston City Marshal's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 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 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Houston City Marshal's Office are honored on badge.nw.