Roll of Honor
Justin Phillip Hurst
Incident
Game Warden Justin Hurst was shot and killed by a subject in Wharton County following a high speed pursuit on U.S. Route 90 ALT.
The subject had fled after he was approached by another game warden who suspected him of illegally hunting from the roadside. Warden Hurst was called as back up and he and officers from other agencies pursued the man through two counties. The man then exchanged shots with the officers at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 ALT and County Road 252 in Wharton County.
Warden Hurst suffered several gunshot wounds in the shootout. He was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the early morning hours the following day, his 34th birthday.
The subject was shot and wounded by deputies during the exchange. He was taken into custody, convicted of capital murder, and subsequently sentenced to death. He was executed on January 27th, 2016.
Warden Hurst graduated from the academy to become a warden in August of 2002.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, 4-month-old son, parents, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-9714CB55- 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 Justin. 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.
Game Warden Hurst gave the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Austin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Game Warden Hurst.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Game Warden Justin Phillip Hurst 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 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division, 4 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 28.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Justin Phillip Hurst's cause is highlighted.
How Justin Phillip Hurst Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 2016
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Justin Phillip Hurst is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Justin Phillip Hurst was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division are honored on badge.nw.
