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Incident
Deputy John Ross and Deputy Marion Robertson were shot and killed as they and two other deputies attempted to serve a warrant on a man for unlawfully carrying a pistol.
When they arrived at the family's farm, near Stephenville, they discovered the family was holding a prayer meeting.
When the deputies announced they had a warrant for the man he refused to be arrested and one of his brothers produced a handgun. A shootout ensued in which Deputy Robertson and Deputy Ross were both killed and two members of the family were wounded.
Three men in the family were charged with murdering the deputies. Two of them were acquitted and the third was sentenced to 35 years. A fourth member of the family turned himself in 48 years later to face charges of murder.
Deputy Robertson and Deputy Ross had both been deputized that day to assist with the arrest.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
147 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Ross served with the Erath County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Stephenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Erath County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1879, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1879, 37 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 148th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1879, 39 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 148th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John 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. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John 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. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Erath County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 10.4% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Erath County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Erath County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.