Deputy Sheriff Alexander Stevens Downs, Jr

Deputy Sheriff Alexander Stevens Downs, Jr

Nueces County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, October 16, 1932

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Alexander Stevens Downs, Jr

Nueces County Deputy Sheriff Alexander S. Downs, Jr., was working at a dance when he confronted Liborio Garza who was intoxicated and creating a disturbance. Deputy Sheriff Downs told Garza to "cut out the racket." As the deputy sheriff walked away Garza shot him and three bystanders. Deputy Sheriff Downs was taken to a doctor's home and died a few minutes later. Bystander Francisco Villarreal died and Jose Rodriguez and Andres Garcia were wounded. Liborio Garza pled insanity based on intoxication and smoking marijuana.

On January 7, 1933, Liborio Garza, 31, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He was pardoned on September 16, 1961.

Deputy Sheriff Downs was 23 years old and was survived by his wife and infant son.

Bio

  • Age 23
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Pardoned in 1961

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Deputy Sheriff Downs,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nueces County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 16, 2022

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