Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Abner Matlock was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a man for firearm possession.
Deputy Matlock was advised by a citizen that a man was in possession of a pistol. Deputy Matlock knew the suspect because he had removed him from a dance several weeks before for causing a disturbance.
At approximately 1730 hours, Deputy Matlock approached the suspect and demanded the pistol. The suspect drew the pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Deputy Matlock, who fired at the suspect. The suspect was wounded on the side; however, he was able to fire his weapon and his bullet struck Deputy Matlock in the hand, causing him to drop his pistol. The suspect then seized Deputy Matlock’s pistol and shot him four more times. Deputy Matlock died two hours later from his wounds.
The suspect fled the scene pursued by a posse. He turned and fired 2 shots at the posse, which returned fire, killing him.
Deputy Abner Matlock had served with the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department for approximately three years.
At approximately 1730 hours, Deputy Matlock approached the suspect and demanded the pistol. The suspect drew the pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Deputy Matlock, who fired at the suspect. The suspect was wounded on the side; however, he was able to fire his weapon and his bullet struck Deputy Matlock in the hand, causing him to drop his pistol. The suspect then seized Deputy Matlock’s pistol and shot him four more times. Deputy Matlock died two hours later from his wounds.
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BO-US-TX-377A49C3- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Sheriff Matlock gave the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jourdanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Matlock.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Abner Matlock is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,461 of 2,422 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.3% of this state's fallen. That is 60.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Atascosa County Sheriff's Department, 7 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Abner Matlock's cause is highlighted.
How Abner Matlock Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Abner Matlock is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Abner Matlock was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Atascosa County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
