Ward County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, October 29, 2000
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 703
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: October 29, 2000
Weapon Used: Edged weapon; Knife
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Deputy Sheriff Lee Russ died after being stabbed while at the scene of a domestic disturbance.
Deputy Russ had responded to a 911 call placed by the suspect's wife. Deputy Russ was the first officer on the scene and became involved in a struggle with the suspect. After stabbing Deputy Russ, the suspect then continued to stab his wife to death.
Despite his wounds, Deputy Russ was able fatally shoot the subject. Deputy Russ had been stabbed a total of 15 times with a large knife.
Deputy Russ had served with the Ward County Sheriff's Office for eleven years. He is survived by three children.