Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Byford Hunter was shot and killed while attempting to serve a misdemeanor warrant on a man with a history of resisting arrest. During the incident, the suspect and the suspect's uncle assaulted Deputy Hunter and tried to gain control of his service weapon. Deputy Hunter was able to shoot and kill the suspect during the struggle but was shot numerous times by the uncle. As he retreated from the house, he was shot several more times in the back. He made it to his patrol and called for backup but succumbed to his wounds. The uncle, who was wounded, fled the scene but turned himself in with his attorney later that day. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years. Deputy Hunter had served with the Angelina County Sheriff's Office for two years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-76D8A1E2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Hunter gave the Angelina County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lufkin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Hunter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Byford Henry Hunter is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Angelina County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 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. Byford Henry Hunter's cause is highlighted.
How Byford Henry Hunter Compares
Offender Outcome
One shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Byford Henry Hunter is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Byford Henry Hunter was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Angelina County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
