Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Wednesday, June 27, 1990
Add to My HeroesJames Bruce Irby
Officer James Irby was shot and killed when he stopped a car for a minor traffic violation near the intersection of Airline Drive and Lyerly Street.
As he was talking with the driver, the passenger exited the vehicle and shot Officer Irby five times with a .357 handgun.
The suspect was convicted of Officer Irby's murder and subsequently sentenced to death. He was executed by lethal injestion on April 21, 2022. Now 78, he was Texas' oldest death row inmate.
Officer Irby had served 17 years with the Houston Police Department. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 17 years
- Badge 189
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
- Offender Executed in 2022
Most Recent Reflection
View all 128 ReflectionsJames, I remember calling you the morning you got shot to let you know that your motorcycle boots were ready to be picked up from the Palace Boot Shop. I had just finished putting the last coat of polish on them. I later served over 65 years in the Navy and 13 years as a deputy sheriff in part due to the role model you were. Thank you for taking the oath to serve and protect. It is an oath that I will live the rest of my life trying to uphold. I could not be there to watch your 6 that day, but will have it from here to eternity.
Sgt. N. Clartk
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Friend
October 6, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024