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Incident
Chief Jailer Bobby Mayo was shot and killed while coming to the aid of another deputy who had been attacked by six inmates while serving them food. The inmates had slammed the cell's steel door into another deputy and knocked him down. They then took a 2-shot Derringer from the deputy's pocket and began to beat him with a battery-filled sock. Jailer Mayo was shot in the head as he came to the assistance of the other deputy. The prisoners then began to destroy the property room but were all apprehended by other deputies. All six were charged with murder and attempted escape. One inmate was 22-years-old. The other five were 20-years-old. Three had recently been convicted of armed robbery. One was sentenced to 50 years, and two to 27 years. On October 13, 1970, the three robbed and shot the manager and his wife at the Bar-X Motel in Waco. Both victims recovered. A fourth inmate had been convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 10 years. Another was waiting to be tried for armed robbery, and the sixth was in jail charged with aggravated assault and destruction of private property. On June 17, 1971, the three who robbed the Bar-X were convicted of murder and sentenced to death. All three were awaiting their appeal results for armed robbery. The sentences were later commuted to life. One was denied parole on April 23, 2020. He has another parole hearing in March of 2023. Another was released at some point before 2011. Chief Jailer Mayo had served with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office for two years and had previously served four years with the McGregor Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief Jailer Mayo gave the McLennan County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Jailer Mayo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McLennan County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Bobby is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Bobby is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bobby is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 15 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1971, 168 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1971, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Bobby was 39. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Bobby had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Bobby was 39. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Bobby had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bobby was 39. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Bobby had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at McLennan County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
McLennan County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Bobby among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from McLennan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
