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John A. Beasley
Incident
Special Deputy Sheriff John Beasley was shot and killed outside of the San Patricio County Jail in Aransas Pass, Texas, by the brother of a man who had just been arrested.
Another deputy had arrested the brother and deputized Special Deputy Beasley so that he could assist with placing the main in jail. The man's brother arrived at the jail and demanded that his brother be released.
When the deputies refused to the release the prisoner the man went home, obtained his shotgun, and returned to the jail. He hid the shotgun by resting it against his foot as he approached. He then fired it at the deputy. The blast missed the deputy but struck Special Deputy Beasley, who was standing nearby, in the stomach. Special Deputy Beasley died before before he could be taken to his home one block away.
The man who shot Special Deputy Beasley was arrested by a posse and placed in the Aransas County Jail for his own protection against an angry mob of citizens.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Deputy Sheriff Beasley served with the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Sheriff Beasley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Patricio County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1910, 14 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1910, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1910, 124 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 24. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 24. 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. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at San Patricio County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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 shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
San Patricio County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from San Patricio County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
