Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Russell Spannagel was shot and killed with his own service weapon during a struggle with a suspect. He had gone to a home to follow up on a domestic disturbance complaint when the male suspect began to struggle with him. The man was able to gain control of Patrolman Spannagel's .357 caliber service revolver and shot him in the chest. The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding officers. The man was convicted only of manslaughter and released from prison after serving only a few years. Patrolman Spannagel had served with the San Antonio Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-9973B87A- 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.
Patrolman Spannagel gave the San Antonio Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Antonio community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Spannagel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Russell D. Spannagel 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 TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At San Antonio Police Dept., 40 of 64 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Russell D. Spannagel's cause is highlighted.
How Russell D. Spannagel Compares
Offender Outcome
Released from prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Russell D. Spannagel is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Russell D. Spannagel was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
63 officers from San Antonio Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
