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Incident
Patrolman Cawthon was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit of a juvenile who ran a red light. The suspect finally stopped at his home and ran to the back door, where Patrolman Cawthon apprehended him. During the struggle, the juvenile's brother and a friend came to his aid and began to argue with the officer. The friend, who was standing behind Patrolman Cawthon, grabbed his service weapon as he spun him around, then shot him in the mouth. The suspect was apprehended on the scene and was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Cawthon was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
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.
Patrolman Cawthon served with the Amarillo Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Amarillo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cawthon.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Amarillo Police Department has lost 16 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
Jerry is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 2 officers at Amarillo Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1964, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1964, 75 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1964, 76 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 99th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jerry was 24. Of the 10 killed feloniously at Amarillo Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 24.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 27.5.
Jerry 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.
Jerry was 24. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Jerry was 24. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 40% of these deaths at Amarillo Police Department, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 30%.
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 16 deaths at Amarillo Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Amarillo Police Department has 16 officers remembered here, Jerry among them.
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Preston George Burnam
Jan 5, 1934
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Chester Lewis Grounds
Feb 14, 1934
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Lemuel Dodd Savage
Mar 15, 1945
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B. W. Woods, Jr.
Jan 17, 1955
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Marvin E. Moore, Jr.
Jan 10, 1960
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Claude Bishop Evans
Dec 18, 1961
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Jerry Wayne Cawthon
Jan 1, 1964
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William Stanley Meadows
Jun 8, 1964
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Berry Joe McGuire
Dec 25, 1980
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Delbert Wayne Miller, Sr.
Nov 24, 1982
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James Delbert Mitchell, Jr.
Nov 11, 1985
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Mark Steven Simmons
Dec 17, 2008
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Justin Ryan Scherlen
Aug 4, 2016
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Raquel Virginia Saunders
Oct 13, 2021
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Michael David Dunn
Oct 22, 2021
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Miguel Eladio Sanchez
Dec 27, 2021
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-W
What is kept
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Others Who Wore This Badge
15 officers from Amarillo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
