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Incident
Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Meister was shot and killed during a drug sting operation. He and another deputy were ambushed by three suspects at the scene in Lytle, Texas. Chief Deputy Meister was shot twice by one of the suspects with a .22 caliber rifle. The other deputy was able to return fire, killing two of the men. The third man was taken into custody after trying to flee the area and charged with capital murder.
Survivors
Chief Deputy Meister was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
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.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Meister served with the Zavala County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Crystal City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Sheriff Meister.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ken is the only officer of Zavala County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Ken is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Ken is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ken 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 1991, 10 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1991, 85 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 76th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1991, 98 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 65th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ken was 45. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Ken was 45. 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.
Ken was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Zavala County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
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