Deputy Sheriff William W. Emerson, Cooke County Sheriff's Department, Texas

Deputy Sheriff William W. Emerson

Cooke County Sheriff's Department, Texas

End of Watch Monday, December 5, 1927

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William W. Emerson

On Sunday morning, December 4, 1927, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Cooke County Sheriff's Deputies Jake Wright, William W. Emerson, and a complainant - Mr. Autrey - went to a farm where Dave T. Wilson was living. The deputies had a search warrant for stolen chickens and turkeys. The stolen birds were located on Wilson's farm. Wilson became enraged when he saw Autrey and grabbed Deputy Emerson's pistol and shot the deputy. Deputy Emerson died from his wounds at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 1927.

Dave T. Wilson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murdering Emerson, 8 years for assault with intent to murder Wright, and one year for various theft charges. He was pardoned February 9, 1944.

Deputy Sheriff William W. Emerson was survived by his bride of four months, his mother, and several brothers and sisters. He is buried in the Fairview Cemetery, Block 21, Lot 116, in Gainesville in Cooke County.

Bio

Age 40
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, December 4, 1927
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Pardoned in 1944

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 84th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 5, 2011