Sheriff Richard Allen Pauley

Sheriff Richard Allen Pauley

Coleman County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, May 16, 1925

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Richard Allen Pauley

Sheriff Pauley was shot and killed after being called to the railroad yard to assist in apprehending two men who were riding on top of a freight car. The men had boarded the train at Brownwood, Texas, and refused the conductor's order to leave. When the train stopped in Santa Anna the conductor telegraphed ahead to Coleman to ask for the sheriff to meet him when the train arrived. As Sheriff Pauley climbed the ladder he was shot by one of the suspects. He succumbed to his wounds two days later.

The suspects were later captured by a posse of over 1000 men. On June 3, 1925, Sheriff Pauley's killer, 23, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. On April 16, 1926, he went to his death in the electric chair.

Sheriff Pauley was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 1926

Most Recent Reflection

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Sheriff Pauley,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Coleman County.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 16, 2025

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