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Incident
Special Deputy Sheriff John Davis was stabbed to death while attempting to quell a disturbance at a dance near San Marcos.
Two men attacked him while he intervened. One of the men held him while the other stabbed him repeatedly. He succumbed to his wounds earlier the following morning.
One subject were convicted of his murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. The other subject was tried and acquitted.
Deputy Davis was survived by his wife and four small children. He was buried in the San Marcos Cemetery.
Survivors
Deputy Davis was survived by his wife and four small children.
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.
Special Deputy Sheriff Davis served with the Hays County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the San Marcos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Sheriff Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hays County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 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 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1913, 14 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1913, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1913, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 37. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
John was 37. 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.
John was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Hays County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 1.6% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Hays County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hays County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
