Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Lee Russ died after being stabbed while at the scene of a domestic disturbance.
Deputy Russ had responded to a 911 call placed by the suspect's wife. Deputy Russ was the first officer on the scene and became involved in a struggle with the suspect. After stabbing Deputy Russ, the suspect then continued to stab his wife to death.
Despite his wounds, Deputy Russ was able fatally shoot the subject. Deputy Russ had been stabbed a total of 15 times with a large knife.
Deputy Russ had served with the Ward County Sheriff's Office for eleven years.
Survivors
He is survived by three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-E4574A4E- 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 Russ gave the Ward County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Monahans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Russ.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Lee Wayne Russ 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 Ward County Sheriff's Office, 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. Lee Wayne Russ's cause is highlighted.
How Lee Wayne Russ Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lee Wayne Russ is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ward County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
