Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Henry Lawrence and Ranger Private Quirl Carnes of the Texas Rangers were shot and killed while searching for a murder suspect near San Benito, Texas.
A cousin of the murder suspect informed authorities that the suspect was returning to the area and would cross the Rio Grande River. A group of Cameron County Sheriff's Office deputies, Texas Rangers, and posse members went to the Rio Grande River crossing to wait for the suspect. After midnight, they heard a group of men approaching. One of the officers hailed the group to stop. A fusillade erupted. Deputy Lawrence and Private Carnes were shot as they arose from a crouch.
Deputy Lawrence died instantly from seven buckshots in the right side of his head. Private Carnes was mortally wounded with seven rifle wounds, one bullet entering through the back of his head and exiting his right eye. He lived until 9:00 a.m.
A posse found the body of the suspect's cousin the next day. The suspect was never arrested and disappeared into Mexico. Authorities believe the cousin led the officers into an ambush.
Deputy Lawrence was buried in the Fraternal Cemetery in Alice, Jim Wells County (then a part of Nueces County), in an unmarked grave next to his parents. He was 37 years old and single.
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BO-US-TX-5F207D9A- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Deputy Lawrence served with the Cameron County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Olmito community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Lawrence.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Deputy Henry B. Lawrence 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 Cameron County Sheriff's Office, 12 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 92.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Henry B. Lawrence's cause is highlighted.
How Henry B. Lawrence Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Henry B. Lawrence is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Henry B. Lawrence was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Cameron County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
