Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Bob Butler was shot and killed with his own service revolver after being attacked by two drunk brothers. Officer Butler was talking with a store owner when he observed the two men walking up the street. When he stopped the two brothers he was attacked and knocked to the ground several times before one of the brothers grabbed his gun. As he and the store owner fled into the store they were both shot and killed. One of the subject was immediately arrested and the second was apprehended a short time later after being shot and wounded. The shooter was sentenced to two life terms, but was murdered by another inmate six months after arriving at the prison. The other brother was acquitted. Officer Butler had served with the Hobbs Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-61E81F31- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Butler gave the Hobbs Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hobbs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Butler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Robert Bush Butler 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 NM, 123 of 193 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.7% of this state's fallen. That is 9.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Bush Butler's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Bush Butler Compares
Offender Outcome
Murdered in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Bush Butler is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Bush Butler was killed by officer's handgun.