Incident
Marshal John Spalding was shot and killed while coming to the aid of another marshal who was being fired upon. Marshal Spalding was shot in the head during the shootout. The suspect attempted to flee but was shot and killed by a posse.
Marshal Spalding had served with the Waxahachie Police Department for 6 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-A3D883F8- 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 John. 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
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Spalding gave the Waxahachie Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waxahachie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal John H. Spalding 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 Waxahachie Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John H. Spalding's cause is highlighted.
How John H. Spalding Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. Spalding is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John H. Spalding was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Waxahachie Police Department are honored on badge.nw.

