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
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