Corpus Christi Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, August 20, 1971
Add to My HeroesJohn William Sartain
Patrolman Sartain was shot and killed by a sniper while using an employee entrance at the police station during a shift change. The suspect, 16, who lived in an apartment complex 200-yards behind the police station, was apprehended two days later.
On April 18, 1972, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 years. A life sentence was ruled out due to his age. On February 7, 1974, the boy was released in leu of bond after the Texas Court of Appeals reversed his conviction. On June 4, 1974, he was convicted a second time for murder and sentenced to 99 years. His attorney said he merely shot at a building and did not mean to hit anyone. He was paroled in 1984.
Patrolman Sartain was survived by his wife, son, brother, and mother.
Bio
- Age 22
- Tour Not available
- Badge 133
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .30 caliber
- Offender Paroled in 1984
Most Recent Reflection
View all 27 ReflectionsPatrolman Sartain,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Corpus Christi. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 20, 2021
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