Constable Earl Franklin "Andy" Andrews

Earl Franklin "Andy" Andrews

Constable Andrews was shot and killed after stopping a van that had been involved in a hit-and-run in Lavaca County. When the van stopped, the side door opened and a man exited with a shotgun. Constable Andrews ordered the man to drop the shotgun but the man fired, knocking Constable Andrews to the ground. The man then shot Constable Andrews a second time. The suspect then fired through the windshield of Constable Andrews' car at his wife, who was riding with him, striking her in the arm.

Both suspects, 24 and 26, were arrested later that day in Halletsville and charged with capital murder. Both were convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years. One was paroled in 2000.

Constable Andrews was survived by his wife and four children.

A posse of seven state police officers was sent to a saloon to enforce a law prohibiting the wearing of side arms. The posse had arrested one man outside the saloon and when they attempted to enter the saloon a gun battle ensued.

Captain Williams, Private Cherry and Private Daniels were killed instantly. Private Melville died one month later.