Texhoma Police Department, Oklahoma
End of Watch: Sunday, May 20, 1962
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 3 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 20, 1962
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Marshal William James and Assistant Marshal Joe Hartman were shot and killed by a suspect who had been arrested for being drunk in public.
While at city hall, the suspect struck Marshal James in the head and escaped. He went home, obtained a 12 gauge shotgun, and returned to the city hall, where he shot and killed both officers.
The suspect was convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in 1974 but recommended for parole a year later.
Marshal James had served with the Texhoma Police Department for 15 months. He was survived by his wife and two children.