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Incident
Guard Roy Bailey and Guard William Taylor drowned in the Buffalo Bayou while attempting to stop an escape from Harris County Convict Camp No. 2, near the Houston Belt and Terminal Railway Company's bridge over the Houston Ship Channel.
Several inmates suddenly attempted to escape at about 8:00 am and ran toward the river. Most of the prisoners surrendered when ordered to stop by the guards, but two inmates continued to flee into the river as guards released canines to subdue them. One of the men entered the river with Guard Bailey in pursuit. The two initially began to struggle in approximately three feet of water but stepped into a deep hole.
Guard Taylor came to Guard Bailey's aid as he attempted to stay above water, but they both went under the surface and drowned. The prisoner that Guard Taylor had been struggling with was able to escape but was arrested later in the afternoon at his brother's home. It is not known if anyone was ever charged in connection with Guard Taylor's and Guard Bailey's deaths.
Guard Bailey had served with the Harris County Convict Camp off and on for about a year and a half. He was survived by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters. He was buried in the White Oak Cemetery in Houston.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, four brothers, and three 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
You barely got started.
Guard Bailey gave the Harris County Convict Camp 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Houston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard Bailey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Harris County Convict Camp has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Leroy is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Leroy is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leroy is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1914, 5 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1914, 34 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 114th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1914, 49 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 105th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Leroy was 20. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Leroy had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Leroy was 20. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Leroy had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leroy was 20. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Leroy had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Wednesdays: 16.1%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Harris County Convict Camp. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Harris County Convict Camp has 2 officers remembered here, Leroy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Harris County Convict Camp are honored on badge.nw.