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Incident
Around 8:00 p.m. Bryan City Marshal M. M. Wilcox obtained a warrant for Earl Knox, 17 or 18 years old, for burglary. Marshal Wilcox was accompanied by Brazos County Constable R. H. Smith and deputy city marshals John P. Chance, Levi Neal and Laith Lougbridge. Wilcox, Neal and Lougbridge approached the house from the front, while Smith and Chance took positions around the house to cut off any escape. Lougbridge was walking in front of the other two lawmen and called for Knox to come outside. Knox fired a Winchester rifle at Marshal Wilcox, striking him under the left nipple, above the heart. It was dark and Knox made his escape.
Marshal Wilcox fired several shots, but he was mortally wounded and his aim was wild. Wilcox died about 9: 00 p.m., having asked those present to look after his family. The newspapers reported that Wilcox was a brave, kind-hearted man, whose reluctance to use his weapon was well known, and at last, doubtless, cost him his life.
Knox was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 9 years in prison. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison for burglary and related charges. He was released July 10, 1900.
Wilcox was survived by his wife and two daughters. He was buried in the Seale Family Cemetery in Brazos County.
Related information: Brazos County deputy sheriff R. H. Smith (later constable), his brother, Bryan deputy city marshal Levin P. Smith, Jr., and deputy city marshal Levi Neal were involved in a shoot-out with escaping convicts on May 15, 1885. Levin Smith, Jr., was killed. Bryan deputy city marshal Levi Neal would be killed while making an arrest on February 24, 1900.
Survivors
Wilcox was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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Tributes
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Wilcox served with the Bryan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bryan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bryan Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Murdock is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Murdock is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Murdock 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 1888, 1 officer at Bryan Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1888, 6 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1888, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1888, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Murdock was 37. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Bryan Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 24 and 37; the middle age was 27.
Murdock was 37. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Murdock was 37. 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.
Murdock was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 20% of these deaths at Bryan Police Department; February holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 20%.
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Bryan Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 20% 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; winchester, in 1.2% 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; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Bryan Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Murdock among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bryan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
