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Incident
Deputy Constable Juan Novoa was shot and killed while questioning two AWOA sailors after he and his partner caught them loitering. The two sailors, 16 and 18 were had gone AWOL shortly after enlisting. One of the sailors produced fake identification and Deputy Novoa told the man he would have to go to the police station. The subject was able to gain control of Deputy Novoa's partner's service revolver and opened fire. Deputy Novoa was shot four times. Both suspects were apprehended. The 16-year-old, who was the gunman, was turned over to the navy. Because of his age he could not be prosecuted under Texas felony laws. The other suspect was charged with murder. Both were prosecuted by court martial at the Naval Air Station at Kingsville. On October 9, 1945, Navy officials announced that both received adequate sentences. They would not discuss details.
Survivors
Deputy Novoa was survived by his wife and daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Constable Novoa served with the Webb County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Laredo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Novoa.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Juan is the only officer of Webb County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 remembered here.
Juan is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Juan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Juan 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 1945, 8 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1945, 68 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 105th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1945, 70 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 108th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Juan was 34. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Juan was 34. 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.
Juan was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Webb County Constable's Office - Precinct 1. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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