Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy John Ross and Deputy Marion Robertson were shot and killed as they and two other deputies attempted to serve a warrant on a man for unlawfully carrying a pistol.
When they arrived at the family's farm, near Stephenville, they discovered the family was holding a prayer meeting. When the deputies announced they had a warrant for the man he refused to be arrested and one of his brothers produced a handgun. A shootout ensued in which Deputy Robertson and Deputy Ross were both killed and two members of the family were wounded.
Three men in the family were charged with murdering the deputies. Two of them were acquitted and the third was sentenced to 35 years. A fourth member of the family turned himself in 48 years later to face charges of murder.
Deputy Robertson and Deputy Ross had both been deputized that day to assist with the arrest.
Thank you for your assistants Sir, RIP
James Kotke Civilian / Former Officer WSF Park Police (Wi.) March 29th, 2012
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-21C89313- 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
147 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Ross served with the Erath County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Stephenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John T. Ross 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 Erath County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 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. John T. Ross's cause is highlighted.
How John T. Ross Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 35 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John T. Ross is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John T. Ross was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Erath County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
