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Incident
Sheriff J.F. Holmes was shot and killed in Trinity while attempting to arrest a man wanted in several counties for murder and stealing horses.
The subject shot the unarmed Sheriff Holmes in the head, causing a fatal wound. Sheriff Holmes succumbed to the wound 15 days later.
The man who shot him was arrested by a posse in Polk County. The outcome of the trial is not known.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
149 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Holmes served with the Trinity County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Groveton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Trinity County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. 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 1877, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1877, 35 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 149th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1877, 38 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 150th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
J. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
J. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
J. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Trinity County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.4% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Trinity County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, J. among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Trinity County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
