King County Sheriff's Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, May 19, 1972
Add to My HeroesPaul Roy Vinson
Sheriff Paul Vinson and Patrolman Gayle Holmes, of the Texas Department of Public Safety, were shot and killed while answering a disturbance call outside a rural store between Paducah and Guthrie.
While they were placing one man in the patrol car, another man stepped onto the porch of the store behind them and began firing. A third highway patrolman returned fire, but suffered no injury.
The suspect, 20, was taken into custody at a ranch about a mile away. He was later convicted of Sheriff Vinson's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was denied parole on March 16, 2018. His next parole hearing is in January of 2023.
Sheriff Vinson was serving his second term. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
- Offender Sentenced to life imprisonment
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsSheriff Vinson,
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 King County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 19, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025