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Incident
Constable Jesse Matthews was shot and killed while responding to a vehicle crash one mile east of Beckville.
He was on duty while maintaining order at a singing convention when two vehicles collided, and the drivers started arguing. Constable Matthews attempted to settle the dispute when one of the drivers shot and killed him before fleeing the scene.
Texas Rangers were sent to the county to calm down vigilantes looking for the killer. The subject was captured almost a week later. While in custody, he committed suicide in his jail cell.
Constable Matthews was first elected constable in Precinct 2 in November of 1914 and was serving his twelfth term.
Survivors
He was survived by his son and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
24 years. You could have gone home.
Constable Matthews gave the Panola County Constable's Office 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Carthage community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Matthews.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jesse is the only officer of Panola County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 remembered here.
Jesse is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Jesse is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jesse is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jesse was 55. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Jesse had served 24.8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Jesse was 55. 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. Jesse had served 24.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jesse was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jesse had served 24.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Panola County Constable's Office - Precinct 2. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 4.4% 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 unknown weapon, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Panola County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 are honored on badge.nw.