McLennan County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, Texas
End of Watch: Friday, March 25, 1910
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: March 19, 1910
Weapon Used: Edged weapon
Suspect Info: Shot and killed by Constable Sparks
Deputy Constable Earl Sparks died of wounds he received when he was was cut and stabbed by a man who was raving and attacking passers-by on the sidewalk in Waco.
When Constable Sparks confronted the man he was stabbed in the stomach. Constable Sparks was able to fire one shot and killing the man.
Sparks was taken to the hospital. It was found that knife blade penetrated the intestines and one kidney. Some of the best surgeons in the Southwest attempted to save his life, but he died six days later from his wounds.
It was reported that Sparks’ father and grandfather were peace officers and noted for their courage. His uncle, Captain Sparks, served with distinction with the Texas Rangers.
Sparks was single and 29 years of age at the time of his death. He was buried in the Bosqueville Cemetery in McLennan County.