Deputy Sheriff Elbert Watkins

Elbert Watkins

Deputy Watkins and Deputy Harold Humphus were shot and killed while attempting to arrest man who escaped from the Austin State Mental Hospital. During the arrest the suspect was able to gain control of Deputy Humphus' revolver and shot both deputies. The suspect was arrested a short distance away carrying the deputies' shotgun. The suspect was apprehended two hours later. The Falls County Sheriff was furious stating, "how long are they going let these --------- mental hospitals just let inmates walk out. The suspect walked out of an unlocked door.

On November 19, 1976, the suspect, 26, was convicted of two counts of murder an sentenced to 50 years.

Deputy Watkins had been a part-time deputy for the agency for 20 years and had only been a full-time deputy for 1 year. He was survived by his wife and six children.