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Incident
Detective John Smith and Detective Charles Wilson were shot and killed while responding to a local hotel to investigate a recent theft.
Detective Wilson and Detective Smith responded to a hotel in the main square of Bastrop to do a follow-up investigation on a open theft case. Unknown to them, two murder suspects from Texas were hiding in the hotel. When the Detectives arrived, a gun battle ensued in which Detective Wilson, Detective Smith and one suspect were killed. Two paramedics who rushed to the scene to aid the detectives were wounded.
A female suspect who was also wanted in connection with a murder in Harris County, Texas, escaped, but was taken into custody by the US Marshal's office in Houston, Texas on August 12th. Three other people were arrested for helping the female suspect escape.
On January 6, 2009, the female suspect, now 26, was convicted of federal weapons charges and sentenced to 28 years in a federal prison. A few weeks later, for her participation in the murders of Detective Smith and Detective Wilson she was convicted of two counts of second degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
Detective Smith had served on the Bastrop Police Department for 18 years and was assigned to the detective division.
Detective Wilson and Detective Smith responded to a hotel in the main square of Bastrop to do a follow-up investigation on a open theft case. Unknown to them, two murder suspects from Texas were hiding in the hotel. When the Detectives arrived, a gun battle ensued in which Detective Wilson, Detective Smith and one suspect were killed. Two paramedics who rushed to the scene to aid the detectives were wounded.
A female suspect who was also wanted in connection with a murder in Harris County, Texas, escaped, but was taken into custody by the US Marshal's office in Houston, Texas on August 12th. Three other people were arrested for helping the female suspect escape.
Detective Smith had served on the Bastrop Police Department for 18 years and was assigned to the detective division.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
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.
Detective Smith gave the Bastrop Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bastrop community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bastrop Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 2007, 5 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 2007, 84 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2007, 90 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 75th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 40. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 40. 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. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.6% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Fridays: 15.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Bastrop Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 13.7% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Bastrop Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Bastrop Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
