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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Byford Hunter was shot and killed while attempting to serve a misdemeanor warrant on a man with a history of resisting arrest. During the incident, the suspect and the suspect's uncle assaulted Deputy Hunter and tried to gain control of his service weapon. Deputy Hunter was able to shoot and kill the suspect during the struggle but was shot numerous times by the uncle. As he retreated from the house, he was shot several more times in the back. He made it to his patrol and called for backup but succumbed to his wounds. The uncle, who was wounded, fled the scene but turned himself in with his attorney later that day. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years. Deputy Hunter had served with the Angelina County Sheriff's Office for two years.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Hunter gave the Angelina County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lufkin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Hunter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Angelina County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Byford is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Byford is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Byford 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 1982, 15 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Byford was 33. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Byford had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Byford was 33. 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. Byford had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Byford was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Byford had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Angelina County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 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
Angelina County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Byford among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Angelina County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
