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Walter V. Sebesta
Incident
Constable Robert C. Vajdak and Deputy Constable Walter V. Sebesta were called to a disturbance at a café and beer hall in Snook where a crowd of 30 to 40 people had gathered. While seated in his car, Constable Vajdak saw Tollie Dabney displaying a pistol. Constable Vajdak gave Deputy Constable Sebesta his pistol and approached Dabney ordering him to throw up his hands as he was under arrest. Dabney resisted and a fight ensued. Constable Vajdak was cut nine times and seriously wounded. Deputy Constable Sebesta was stabbed in the chest and abdomen and died instantly.
Tollie Dabney, 52, convicted of the murder of Deputy Constable Sebesta and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He died in prison on July 19, 1964. James Byrd, 52, was convicted of assault with attempt to murder without malice and sentenced to 2 to 15 years in prison. Byrd, was charged as a principal for being present and encouraging the crowd to kill the lawmen. He appealed and his case was reversed and remanded. He died in prison on November 26, 1955.
Walter V. Sebesta was buried in the Snook Cemetery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and at least four children.
In Our Keeping
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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 Constable Sebesta served with the Burleson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Caldwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Sebesta.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Walter is the only officer of Burleson County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 remembered here.
Walter is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter 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 1947, 6 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1947, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1947, 87 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 53. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Walter was 53. 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.
Walter was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Burleson County Constable's Office - Precinct 2. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, 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 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Burleson County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 are honored on badge.nw.