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William Jackson Carnley
Incident
Deputy Jackson Carnley was shot and killed when he and the sheriff went to a farm looking for a man who had caused a disturbance at a Red Cross meeting. When the deputies arrived at the farm Deputy Carnley located the suspect hiding in the bushes. The suspect immediately opened fire with a double-barreled shotgun, striking Deputy Carnley in the face. Deputy Carnley was able to fire one shot and the sheriff also returned fire, but did not strike the suspect. Orange Escow led the scene. During the manhunt, D. Brown, a cousin of Carnley who was deputized, shot and killed Orange's brother, Alex. Brown was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison. Unknown if Orange Escow was ever prosecuted.
Deputy Carnley was survived by his daughter and had been with the agency for four years. He was buried in the Swift Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.
Survivors
Deputy Carnley was survived by his daughter and had been with the agency for four years.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Carnley gave the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nacogdoches community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Carnley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1918, 1 officer at Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 16 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 40. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 40 and 44; the middle age was 40. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5.5 years.
William was 40. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 40. 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. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 40% of these deaths at Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department; March holds the most, 40%. Thursdays: 40%.
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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 shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
