Texas Rangers, Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, April 19, 1928
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 19, 1928
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 99 years
Special Ranger Willard was shot and killed while raiding an illegal moonshine still. Special Ranger Willard had been commissioned by the state governor as a Special Ranger in order to assist with prohibition enforcement. Ranger Willard was able to identify his killer before he died.
The 48-year-old suspect was sentenced to 99 years in prison but was released after his case was dismissed after being reversed and remanded on appeal. On March 18, 1931, he was shot and killed during a raid on his still.
Ranger Willard had been with the agency for one year.