Webb County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, July 7, 1945
Add to My HeroesJuan Novoa
Deputy Constable Juan Novoa was shot and killed while questioning two AWOA sailors after he and his partner caught them loitering. The two sailors, 16 and 18 were had gone AWOL shortly after enlisting. One of the sailors produced fake identification and Deputy Novoa told the man he would have to go to the police station. The subject was able to gain control of Deputy Novoa's partner's service revolver and opened fire. Deputy Novoa was shot four times. Both suspects were apprehended.
The 16-year-old, who was the gunman, was turned over to the navy. Because of his age he could not be prosecuted under Texas felony laws. The other suspect was charged with murder. Both were prosecuted by court martial at the Naval Air Station at Kingsville. On October 9, 1945, Navy officials announced that both received adequate sentences. They would not discuss details.
Deputy Novoa was survived by his wife and daughters.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Convicted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 7, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024