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Incident
Sergeant Stephen Davenport was shot and killed in an ambush while he and other members of the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force attempted to search a rural property for stolen farm equipment in Shive, Hamilton County.
The three officers were obtaining consent to search the property from a female in the home at approximately 3:30 pm. While doing so, Sergeant Davenport noticed movement in a nearby barn and began to move towards it to investigate. As he approached, he was shot with a high-powered rifle by the suspect who was in the barn.
The suspect shot at the other two officers and pinned them down for more than an hour with rifle fire. The suspect then fled into the nearby woods and wounded two responding officers who were setting up a perimeter. He was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sergeant Davenport had served in law enforcement for 11 years. He had previously served with the Teague Police Department, Harris County Constable's Office, and the Mexia Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and two brothers.
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.
Sergeant Davenport gave the Limestone County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Groesbeck community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Davenport.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Limestone County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Stephen is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Stephen 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 2002, 1 officer at Limestone County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2002, 6 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2002, 78 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Stephen was 35. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Limestone County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 35; the middle age was 35. Stephen had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Stephen was 35. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Stephen had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Stephen was 35. 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. Stephen had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Stephen was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Stephen had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 60% of these deaths at Limestone County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Thursdays: 20%.
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Limestone County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Limestone County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Stephen among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Limestone County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
