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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Henry Banks was shot and killed while returning to Hays County after transporting several prisoners to Austin.
He encountered a disorderly man who was harassing a man and his wife. As Deputy Banks attempted to arrest him the man attacked him. The subject was able to disarm Deputy Banks and then fatally shot him with his own service revolver.
The subject was apprehended, convicted of first degree murder, and sentenced to death. The death sentence was subsequently overturned on appeal.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
153 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Banks served with the Hays County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the San Marcos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— 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.
Henry is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Henry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Henry 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 1873, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1873, 28 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 157th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1873, 34 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 155th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Henry was 21. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Henry had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Henry was 21. 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. Henry had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 21. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Henry had served 0 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%. Sundays: 16.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November 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 officer's handgun, 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 officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Hays County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Henry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hays County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
