U.S. Army · United States 
Virgil Wiatrek
1970
Virgil Fred Wiatrek served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Special Deputy Sheriff Virgil Wiatrek was shot and killed as he and another special deputy attempted to arrest a man who had just committed a stabbing in Karnes City.
Both deputies were working an assignment at a dance hall at 410 W Buchel Avenue when the stabbing occurred during a fight. A man in the crowd grabbed the other deputy's gun and opened fire, shooting both deputies as they tried to regain control of the gun.
Deputy Wiatrek was shot three times and killed. The other deputy was wounded.
The man who shot them was arrested and charged with murder.
Deputy Wiatrek was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Both deputies were working an assignment at a dance hall at 410 W Buchel Avenue when the stabbing occurred during a fight. A man in the crowd grabbed the other deputy's gun and opened fire, shooting both deputies as they tried to regain control of the gun.
Deputy Wiatrek was shot three times and killed. The other deputy was wounded.
The man who shot them was arrested and charged with murder.
Deputy Wiatrek was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and five brothers.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Karnes County Sheriff's Office
Special Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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