Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Henson Pyle was shot and killed at Castaic Junction by his deputy, who had falsely claimed to have been robbed.
The officers traveled to Castaic to apprehend the alleged robbers. This was a ruse by the deputy to isolate Constable Pyle. The deputy fatally shot Constable Pyle as he slept near the train station, which consisted of a small, open hut. The story of the alleged robbers came under scrutiny, and the deputy eventually confessed to the crime. The investigation revealed that there was a disagreement between Constable Pyle and the deputy over the division of fees collected from their official duties.
The deputy, 28, was convicted of murder and was sentenced to life in prison. On October 1, 1923, he was pardoned by Governor William Stephens.
The location where Constable Pyle was killed is near modern-day Route 126 in Castaic Junction, Los Angeles County.
Constable Pyle was survived by his wife and three sons.
Survivors
Constable Pyle was survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-B996C548- 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
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Constable Pyle served with the Ventura County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ventura community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Henson McCoy Pyle 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Ventura County Constable's Office, 2 of 2 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. Henson McCoy Pyle's cause is highlighted.
How Henson McCoy Pyle Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Henson McCoy Pyle is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Henson McCoy Pyle was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Ventura County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
