Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Turner was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance involving a drunk man who had shot out a window in his home. When Patrolman Turner and his partner arrived they attempting to call out to the man. The suspect shot Patrolman Turner in the chest with a .22 caliber rifle and then held the other officer at bay and would not allow him to assist Patrolman Turner. The suspect surrendered when other officers arrived at the scene. He was initially convicted of murder and was sentenced to life in prison, but was acquitted during a second trial. Patrolman Turner had served with the agency for only 8 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepson, parents, and two siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-E05198BA- 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.
Patrolman Turner served with the Port Isabel Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Port Isabel community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Turner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James Ralph Turner 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 Port Isabel Police Dept., 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Ralph Turner's cause is highlighted.
How James Ralph Turner Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Ralph Turner is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Ralph Turner was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Port Isabel Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
