Roll of Honor
Incident
Corporal Scott Gardner, Corporal Arlie Jones, and Corporal Abel Marquez were shot and killed when they responded to a domestic violence call.
When the three officers arrived, the victim left her home and told the officers that her husband had hit her. The officers were unable to gain entry into the home through the front door. They then attempted to gain entry through the back door. As they did, the suspect opened fire, killing Corporal Jones and Corporal Gardner, and critically wounding Corporal Marquez.
The suspect was later shot and taken into custody after a four hour standoff. He passed away of cancer on May 31, 2011, before standing trial.
Corporal Marquez was transported to a local hospital where he remained unconscious until passing away four days later.
Corporal Gardner had served with the Odessa Police Department for just over four years and had previously served as an animal control officer.
Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy Merrimack, NH 03054
Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.) Nashua NH Police Department February 22nd, 2021
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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.
Corporal Gardner gave the Odessa Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Odessa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Gardner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal John Gardner 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 Odessa Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Gardner's cause is highlighted.
How John Gardner Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Gardner is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Gardner was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Odessa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
