Dallas County Sheriff's Department, Texas
End of Watch Wednesday, January 4, 1989
Add to My HeroesSuzanne Lee Kays
Deputy Suzanne Kays was shot and killed with her own weapon after being attacked by a homeless man who had just been released from jail.
Deputy Kays was escorting the man from the Lew Sterrett Justice Center when he suddenly turned and punched her, knocking her to the ground. He continued to strike her on the ground and took her gun while they struggled. He then shot and killed her before running toward the booking area, where he was confronted by several Dallas Police officers who ordered him to drop the gun. When he refused, he was shot in the legs and groin by an officer with a shotgun.
The subject was found incompetent to stand trial and sent to a Texas mental institution. He was sentenced to two life terms. He died in prison.
Deputy Kays was a United States Army veteran and had graduated from her academy class only one week before the incident and was on her second shift. She had been in law enforcement for four years.
The Suzanne L. Kays Detention Facility was named in her honor.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Found incompetent
Most Recent Reflection
View all 43 ReflectionsKays, the year is now 2023. You are remembered. Szafran
DSO
Dallas Sheriff’s Office. Texas
February 24, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024