Prev
Robert Franklin Fennell
Incident
Special Officer Bob Fennell died after his throat was slashed by a subject that he had ejected from a local nightclub.
Earlier in the night Officer Fennell had confiscated three knives and two razors from women who were at the club. He had ejected one of the women and her escort from the club. A short time later the man returned, approached Officer Fennell from behind, and slashed his throat with a razor.
Officer Fennell drew his pistol as he fell, but was unable to fire at the subject who continued towards him. The nightclub's owner picked up Officer Fennell's gun and shot the subject three times, killing him.
Officer Fennell had been appointed a special officer by the Wichita Falls police chief several weeks earlier. He had previously served with the Burkburnett Police Department and Electra Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, two brothers, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq4pxdrgyz728s55vads- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Officer Fennell served with the Wichita Falls Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wichita Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer Fennell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wichita Falls Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1938, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 36. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Robert was 36. 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.
Robert was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Wichita Falls Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; razor, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; razor, in 0.1% 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; razor, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; razor, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Wichita Falls Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Wichita Falls Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
