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Incident
Deputy Constable Elbert Hanks was shot and killed by a 14-year-old boy who had escaped from the Navarro County prison farm.
The suspect observed Deputy Constable Hanks approaching along railroad tracks and fled into a nearby restaurant. The restaurant owner told the boy to flee through the back door. As the boy attempted to do so, he grabbed the owner's pistol off the counter. When he discovered the back door locked, he hid behind a door in the cleaning room.
When Deputy Constable Hanks entered the darkened room, he lit a match. The suspect fired a shot at the constable, causing him to drop the match. The suspect then fired a second shot striking him in the chest. The boy fled the scene but was later apprehended and sentenced to life in prison. On June 21, 1927, the Texas governor pardoned the boy, and he was released.
Deputy Constable Hanks had served in law enforcement for at least two years. He had served with the Corsicana Police Department before becoming a deputy constable.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.
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 Constable Hanks gave the Navarro County Constable's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Corsicana community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Hanks.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elbert is the only officer of Navarro County Constable's Office remembered here.
Elbert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Elbert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elbert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1912, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elbert was 43. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Elbert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Elbert was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Elbert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elbert was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elbert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Navarro County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was 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 handgun, in 22.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Navarro County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.