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Incident
Patrolman Ricky Ward was shot and killed while chasing a suspected shoplifter. During the chase, the suspect dropped a matchbox. Believing it contained narcotics, Patrolman Ward stopped to pick it up as evidence. The suspect's cousin was hiding in some bushes next to where Patrolman Ward was and opened fire with a .380 caliber automatic pistol. One round struck Patrolman Ward in the side, passing in between the panels of his vest, and penetrated his aorta. Patrolman Ward was transported to a local hospital, where he died approximately two hours later. The shoplifting suspect was never charged in Patrolman Ward's murder; however, the shooting suspect was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. He is eligible for parole in 2028. Patrolman Ward had been employed with the Mexia Police Department for two years.
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.
Patrolman Ward gave the Mexia Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mexia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mexia Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Ricky is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Ricky is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ricky 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 1993, 10 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1993, 101 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1993, 110 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 53rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ricky was 33. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Ricky had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Ricky was 33. 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. Ricky had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ricky was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ricky had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Mexia Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was 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 handgun, in 22.3% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Mexia Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Ricky among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Mexia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
