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Incident
Constable George Hays was shot and killed by a man whom he had ejected from a dance at a Santa Rita Hotel, in Best, earlier in the night. The subject returned to the hotel and shot Constable Hays twice in the head with a .45 caliber pistol.
The man then shot two bystanders, killing one of them, before fleeing the scene. He committed suicide two days later.
Constable Hays served for 3 months before he was killed. He was previously a general foreman for about 20 years on numerous West Texas ranches. He was survived by his wife and one son. He was buried in the Fairmont Cemetery in San Angelo. Constable Hays was appointed constable for Precinct 5 on August 9th, 1926, and elected to the position on November 2, 1926. The position of constable no longer exists in Reagan County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one son.
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.
Constable Hays served with the Reagan County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Big Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Hays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
George is the only officer of Reagan County Constable's Office - Precinct 5 remembered here.
George is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1926, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 58. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. George had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
George was 58. 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. George had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 58. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Reagan County Constable's Office - Precinct 5. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, 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; .45 caliber, in 1.3% 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; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Reagan County Constable's Office - Precinct 5 are honored on badge.nw.