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Incident
Highway Patrolman Shafter Wheeler was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance at a cafe in La Tuna. He approached the night watchman, who was said to be the reason for the disturbance, at the bar and asked if he had a gun. The watchman answered that he did and opened fire on Patrolman Wheeler, fatally wounding him in the head. The suspect was arrested. On October 30, 1934, the watchman, 70, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years. He was pardoned on March 13, 1940. Patrolman Wheeler had been with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office for three years and had served in law enforcement for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother, four brothers, and four sisters.
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.
Highway Patrolman Wheeler gave the El Paso County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the El Paso community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Highway Patrolman Wheeler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
El Paso County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Shafter is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Shafter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Shafter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 1 officer at El Paso County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1933, 16 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Shafter was 31. Of the 6 killed feloniously at El Paso County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51.8; the middle age was 40. Shafter had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Shafter was 31. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Shafter had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Shafter was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Shafter had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Shafter was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Shafter had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 33.3% of these deaths at El Paso County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Sundays: 33.3%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
El Paso County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, Shafter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from El Paso County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
