Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff George Batton was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend an escaped prisoner from Texas, who was serving a life sentence for murder. Sheriff Batton, along with a posse of deputies and citizens, surrounded the suspect's hideout in the town of Hope. As Sheriff Batton entered the house, the suspect confronted the Sheriff and shot him in the abdomen killing him. The suspect continued to fire his weapon wounding a Deputy. The members of the posse returned fire and killing the suspect. He had served as Eddy County Sheriff for two years. He had previously served four years as a deputy and eight years as sheriff of Brown County, Texas. During his time with Brown County, Sheriff Batton was present when Sheriff Charles Bell was shot and killed. Sheriff Batton returned fire and killed the suspect. Sheriff Batton was survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son, who was later elected sheriff of Eddy County. He is buried in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Survivors
Sheriff Batton was survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son, who was later elected sheriff of Eddy County.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-5FB0976C- 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.
Sheriff Batton gave the Eddy County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carlsbad community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Batton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff George Washington Batton 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 NM, 123 of 193 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.7% of this state's fallen. That is 9.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Eddy County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 4 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. George Washington Batton's cause is highlighted.
How George Washington Batton Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George Washington Batton is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George Washington Batton was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Eddy County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
