Roll of Honor
William H. Phelps
Incident
Location: Texas Weapon: Handgun Offender: Not available
Inspector William Phelps and Inspector George Hammonds were shot and killed in Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, by a group of bandits that attacked the United States Customs House at the mouth of the Rio Grande River.
The bandits had crossed into the United States from Mexico and encountered the acting deputy collector in front of the Customs House. A struggle ensued in which the deputy collector was knocked unconscious. The subjects then entered the Customs House and, without speaking, opened fire on Inspector Phelps, killing him as he sat in a chair.
After raiding the Customs House the bandits went to a nearby home and attempted to lure out the homeowner, but were refused entry to the home. Inspector Phelps, who had heard the gunfire, as the bandits left. When he learned that the homeowner did not have any weapons he attempted to leave to obtain assistance, but the bandits ambushed him and shot him in both legs. He tried to crawl back to the house but was grabbed by the bandits and shot and stabbed repeatedly.
The groups of bandits fled back into Mexico while being chased by citizens.
Inspector Phelps was only 19 years old and was reportedly from West Virginia. Customs officers from the United States and Mexico attended the funeral. Both men were buried locally but the grave sites have not been located.
Today marks the 156th year since your tragic death at such a young age. your service, bravery and your ultimate sacrifice are Honored here today and rest knowing that you have not been and will never be forgotten.
Elizabeth Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen. Riverside County Sheriffs Department December 18th, 2024
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
158 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Inspector Phelps served with the United States Department of the Treasury.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Inspector William H. Phelps 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 DC, 754 of 1,419 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.1% of this state's fallen. That is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, 47 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William H. Phelps's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Phelps Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Phelps is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William H. Phelps was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
