Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Frank Howell was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in a lot at 400 W. Felix Street. The suspect began to resist arrest and was able to gain control of Deputy Howell's service weapon. Deputy Howell was shot as he attempted to call for backup. The suspect was arrested in 1996 by Mexican federal law enforcement officers. He was tried and convicted of the murder in a Mexican court and sentenced to 30 years in a Mexican prison. Deputy Howell had served with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-57EE45A8- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Howell gave the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Worth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Howell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Frank D. Howell 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 Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, 5 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 41.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank D. Howell's cause is highlighted.
How Frank D. Howell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 30 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank D. Howell is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank D. Howell was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Tarrant County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
