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Incident
Patrol Officer David Roberts was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle wanted in an armed robbery. While he was using his radio one of the suspects jumped from the vehicle and shot through the patrol car's windshield, striking Officer Roberts in the neck. As Officer Roberts attempted to exit his patrol car through the passenger door the suspect ran to the car and shot him three more times in the back. The suspect was later apprehended after a manhunt. He was convicted of capital murder and subsequently executed in 1997. Officer Roberts was survived by his wife and son. He had served with the Paris Police Department for two years.
Survivors
Officer Roberts was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrol Officer Roberts gave the Paris Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Paris community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Roberts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paris Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1985, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1985, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1985, 125 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 23. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
David was 23. 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. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David 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 60% of all 5 deaths at Paris Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 14.2% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Paris Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Paris Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
