Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Constable Juan Novoa was shot and killed while questioning two AWOA sailors after he and his partner caught them loitering. The two sailors, 16 and 18 were had gone AWOL shortly after enlisting. One of the sailors produced fake identification and Deputy Novoa told the man he would have to go to the police station. The subject was able to gain control of Deputy Novoa's partner's service revolver and opened fire. Deputy Novoa was shot four times. Both suspects were apprehended. The 16-year-old, who was the gunman, was turned over to the navy. Because of his age he could not be prosecuted under Texas felony laws. The other suspect was charged with murder. Both were prosecuted by court martial at the Naval Air Station at Kingsville. On October 9, 1945, Navy officials announced that both received adequate sentences. They would not discuss details.
Survivors
Deputy Novoa was survived by his wife and daughters.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-TX-184E1AD2- Stewardship
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- 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.
Deputy Constable Novoa served with the Webb County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Laredo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Novoa.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Constable Juan Novoa 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Juan Novoa's cause is highlighted.
How Juan Novoa Compares
Offender Outcome
Convicted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Juan Novoa is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Juan Novoa was killed by officer's handgun.