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Incident
Sheriff George Batton was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend an escaped prisoner from Texas, who was serving a life sentence for murder. Sheriff Batton, along with a posse of deputies and citizens, surrounded the suspect's hideout in the town of Hope. As Sheriff Batton entered the house, the suspect confronted the Sheriff and shot him in the abdomen killing him. The suspect continued to fire his weapon wounding a Deputy. The members of the posse returned fire and killing the suspect. He had served as Eddy County Sheriff for two years. He had previously served four years as a deputy and eight years as sheriff of Brown County, Texas. During his time with Brown County, Sheriff Batton was present when Sheriff Charles Bell was shot and killed. Sheriff Batton returned fire and killed the suspect. Sheriff Batton was survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son, who was later elected sheriff of Eddy County. He is buried in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Survivors
Sheriff Batton was survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son, who was later elected sheriff of Eddy County.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Sheriff Batton gave the Eddy County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carlsbad community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Batton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Eddy County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
George is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1922, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 58. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. George had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 58. 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. George had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 58. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 5.7% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Saturdays: 17.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Eddy County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 17.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Eddy County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Eddy County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
