Prev
Incident
Police Officer Justin Putnam was shot and killed when he and other officers responded to a domestic assault incident at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Hunter Road at 6:15 p.m.
As the officers entered the apartment they were ambushed by a male subject with a rifle. Officer Putnam was killed and two other officers were wounded but survived.
The subject, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who was wearing body armor, committed suicide after shooting the officers.
Officer Putnam had served with the San Marcos Police Department for 5-1/2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his fiancee, sister, and other family members.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqz5hpntxc76vn1bzddx- 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 Justin. 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.
Police Officer Putnam gave the San Marcos Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Marcos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Putnam.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Marcos Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Justin is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Justin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Justin 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 2020, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2020, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2020, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Justin was 31. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Justin had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Justin was 31. 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. Justin had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Justin was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Justin had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
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 2 deaths at San Marcos Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 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.
His people
San Marcos Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Justin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from San Marcos Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
