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Incident
Deputy Abner Matlock was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a man for firearm possession.
Deputy Matlock was advised by a citizen that a man was in possession of a pistol. Deputy Matlock knew the suspect because he had removed him from a dance several weeks before for causing a disturbance.
At approximately 1730 hours, Deputy Matlock approached the suspect and demanded the pistol. The suspect drew the pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Deputy Matlock, who fired at the suspect. The suspect was wounded on the side; however, he was able to fire his weapon and his bullet struck Deputy Matlock in the hand, causing him to drop his pistol. The suspect then seized Deputy Matlock’s pistol and shot him four more times. Deputy Matlock died two hours later from his wounds.
The suspect fled the scene pursued by a posse. He turned and fired 2 shots at the posse, which returned fire, killing him.
Deputy Abner Matlock had served with the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department for approximately three years.
At approximately 1730 hours, Deputy Matlock approached the suspect and demanded the pistol. The suspect drew the pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Deputy Matlock, who fired at the suspect. The suspect was wounded on the side; however, he was able to fire his weapon and his bullet struck Deputy Matlock in the hand, causing him to drop his pistol. The suspect then seized Deputy Matlock’s pistol and shot him four more times. Deputy Matlock died two hours later from his wounds.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Matlock gave the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jourdanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Matlock.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Atascosa County Sheriff's Department has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Abner is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Abner is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Abner is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1911, 1 officer at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1999, with 2.
In 1911, 10 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Abner was 40. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 39.5; the middle age was 32. Abner had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 3.5 years.
Abner 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. Abner had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Abner 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. Abner had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Abner was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Abner had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 28.6% of these deaths at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department; October holds the most, 28.6%. Saturdays: 28.6%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Atascosa County Sheriff's Department has 7 officers remembered here, Abner among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Atascosa County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
