Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Justin Putnam was shot and killed when he and other officers responded to a domestic assault incident at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Hunter Road at 6:15 p.m.
As the officers entered the apartment they were ambushed by a male subject with a rifle. Officer Putnam was killed and two other officers were wounded but survived.
The subject, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who was wearing body armor, committed suicide after shooting the officers.
Officer Putnam had served with the San Marcos Police Department for 5-1/2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his fiancee, sister, and other family members.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-C32EE7F8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Police Officer Putnam gave the San Marcos Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Marcos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Putnam.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Justin Read Putnam 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 San Marcos Police Department, 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. Justin Read Putnam's cause is highlighted.
How Justin Read Putnam Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Justin Read Putnam is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Justin Read Putnam was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from San Marcos Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
