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Incident
Patrolman Turner was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance involving a drunk man who had shot out a window in his home. When Patrolman Turner and his partner arrived they attempting to call out to the man. The suspect shot Patrolman Turner in the chest with a .22 caliber rifle and then held the other officer at bay and would not allow him to assist Patrolman Turner. The suspect surrendered when other officers arrived at the scene. He was initially convicted of murder and was sentenced to life in prison, but was acquitted during a second trial. Patrolman Turner had served with the agency for only 8 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepson, parents, and two siblings.
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 Turner served with the Port Isabel Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Port Isabel community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Turner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Port Isabel Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1978, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 29. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 29. 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. James had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Port Isabel Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 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
Port Isabel Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Port Isabel Police Department are honored on badge.nw.