Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Constable Lunsford, i'm sorry for what happened to you that night over 30 years ago, as your murder was absolutely unneccessary. The video of your killing is one that i personally saw a long time ago, and it was one i couldn't watch again if i wanted to at first. There is no justifiable way to defend the cowards who took you away, since they deserve whatever is coming to them, as karma will take its time to reach them and make them pay for what they did. But from what i believe, i think it would've been best to put them down like the dogs they were, as i've seen better animals get put down compared to them, as they were nothing short of evil and cruel. The fact they knew exactly what they were doing and had full intent on taking your life that night is something that gives me chills thinking about. Despite all that however, you've been avenged in death as they were all caught and sentenced, meaning that society is much safer without thugs like them running around causing problems to others. But however, i'd like to say on a different note, that night could've been alot different, had there either been someone else with you that night to help you, or if they took their punishments and went to jail and did their time. But it's all clear and obvious they chose to make a choice that would prove how senseless and unworthy they are as human beings that love to cause death and rip families apart. From what i read and learned about you, is that you were really good at spotting drugs and getting them off the road and streets, which probably explains why you found their drugs in the trunk of their car that night, along with the fact you even found a large supply of them in a U-Haul truck that went to your shop you owned. Speaking of which, i learned you owned an autoshop and worked on cars, and you made some friends there too which says to me that you were well-known and liked by alot of people that met you. It is a busy thing to do, to not only fix people's cars and work on them, but by night you go out and put your life on the line each day knowing how dangerous it is out there, especially in the grand state of Texas which is known to have a very high crime rate. I think judging by what i know, is that you were a good man overall behind the badge and uniform. And i can also tell you were a good father, as you were raising 2 kids at the time of your death, which i'm sure they've grown up and learned about your legacy and story by now, and they learned that their father wasn't just good with mechanics, but also maintaining the law and ensuring public safety of everyone in the precint, which means you really were a protector and guardian for others, as you would be the type to get the job done. I'm sure now you're guarding and protecting your wife, kids, and everyone who knew you, as you're now serving as their guardian angel that ensures they're safe. All in all though, it's sad to say that a good man and good officer was taken away too shortly, as you only spent nearly 10 years in law enforcement, which is in itself an impressive accomplishment, since you managed to keep your city safe for that long, and i personally salute you for that. To add onto the story, another trooper who saw your video only 8 months after you passed used the training he was taught to defend himself, as he too was in a similar situation where he found drugs in the back of a car and got into a gunfight, but he thankfully lived to tell the tale, and he put one of them in the ground. Not only did you make the ultimate sacrifice, but you managed to prevent countless officers from having the same fate as you by learning from your video, which adds further more to how you really are a hero, even in death. And although i myself am not a cop in any way, i do know that some officers don't make it home to their families, which is dissappointing but true, but with what we have now, it's more easier to catch those who are cowardly enough to harm and kill those who serve in blue, just like the same incident with you as you were able to record the men who were vile enough to kill you. From what i can say, is that your death didn't need to happen, and that a lot of things could've been different, and your murder is unexcusable in every aspect of the way. But you can rest in peace knowing that the men who are responsible for taking your life, have gotten what was coming to them as they were all caught and thrown underneath the jail, but we all know what should've really happened. I'm somebody who believes in karma, and karma will catch those who do wrong, especially those who harm and kill police, as karma will successfully reach them and take care of them, as judgement day will come to them once the day comes, and they'll get ripped a new one once they reach the afterlife for their actions. But as of now and today, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is and always will be appreciated, and that the video of your death has saved countless officers from undergoing the same fate as you, which adds further more to how and why you're a hero, even to those who never met you. Rest Well Mr. Lunsford

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

June 18, 2025

Boris S. Caldwell, Former Police Officer, Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department, Nacogdoches, Texas.

As a native of Nacogdoches, I first met Constable Lunsford in 1986 when I served as a County Jailer for the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department.

As a Police Officer for the Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department I recall the murder of Constable Lunsford as well as the ongoing manhunt. Unfortunately, Constable Lunford's funeral was the first Line of Duty Death of an Officer that I attended. In attendance were Officers from across the nation. Sadly, Constable Lunsford's funeral wasn't the last.

Since January of 2022, I've served as an Officer with the TEEN AND POLICE SERVICE Academy (TAPS), whereas across the nation TAPS decreases the social distance between YOUth and Police by having the Officers to serve as mentors in the classroom for an entire semester.

Through TAPS Academy, Middle and High School students are able to hear about the sacrifice, and dedication of Law Enforcement Officers as well as the murder of Constable Darrell E. Lunsford, Sr. of Garrison, Nacogdoches County Texas.

Fmr. Police Officer, Boris S. Caldwell
Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department

December 28, 2024

Rest in Peace

Senior Trooper
Texas Dept of Public Safety

August 27, 2023

You are not forgotten. I live in Nacogdoches near Garrison, TX. Thinking of what happened as I travel that road, I wonder about his wife and children all these years later. You are not just a name or a tragic event; you were a man with a family, trying to make this world a safer place for all of us. With love and prayers

Donna Cornwall
daughter of Houston Police Officer, HC Sutton

May 17, 2023

Rip Sir,

I think about this tragic incident all the time.

Godspeed to your family, friends and the Nacogdoches County Constable's Office - Precinct 3.

Never forgotten. I’m

Kelly Brooks
Houston PD

July 17, 2022

I have never met you, nor am I in the police force however, I am a student in a Police Foundations Program in Ontario, Canada and indeed the dashcam footage is being used as a training and educational tool here as well. I thank you for your service and extend my thoughts to your friends, family, co-workers and all who put their lives on the line in service to others.

Deborah Burns
St. Lawrence College

October 9, 2021

I was in the 5th grade when this happened. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Every time I pass by the building in Garrison which used to be Lunsford Garage (I don't recall the exact name), I think about Constable Lunsford. I am presuming someone in his family owned the building at the time. Rest in peace, Constable. You are gone, but not forgotten.

J. Patrick Capps
civilian

January 25, 2021

30 years ago today. I’m very sorry this happened to you and your family. But you died a Hero & your sacrifice has helped countless officers.
These days folks are tripping over themselves to be ‘police reformers’. But you didn’t need reform, you were protecting society from evil. For that, I am grateful and will never forget.

Dave McCann, President
FOP Lodge 104

January 23, 2021

I think back many years ago in the Academy, sitting in that classroom and watching the video of your horrific death, and it’s as strong and sickening now as it was then. You are and will forever be a hero and please rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

January 23, 2021

Constable Lunsford,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nacogdoches County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 23, 2021

RIP Constable. Though we never met, you were friends with officers I worked with in the Webster/Clear Lake area. south of Houston. You were a helluva man and good cop. Gud bless.

Captain P. M. Larkin
Galveston County Pct. 1

April 2, 2018

Though I did not know Darrell personally, I knew his family since his father was a paster at the First Baptist Church (formerly Friendship Baptist) in Manvel, Texas; I was baptized by his father. I served in law enforcement at the time Darrel was killed. Darrel's use of video, at his own expense, laid the groundwork that has saved numerous law enforcement officers across this country

Sergeant (retired)
METRO Police Department, Houston, Texas

October 20, 2017

Rest In Peace. Like so many others have said I too watched the video of your murder as a police recruit. It is never easy to watch a man die, even if it is only on video. I hope that your death taught me and all the others who witnessed it something to help us live.

ECO Keith R. Levanway
New York State Environmental Conservation Police

January 23, 2017

I remember the day this happened. Even though it was a tragedy to lose an officer in this manner, the video of your death has helped to save countless officers lives. Thank you for your service and may you Rest In Peace.

Lt. Milton E. Proctor
Deer Park Police Dept, Oh (Ret)

December 30, 2014

I saw the video while attending the police academy in 1994. I never, ever forgot about the manner of his death...in that I learned by watching it to always maintain CONTROL of people I was dealing with. I never let anyone out of a vehicle that I did not want or need out of a vehicle during traffic stops. I learned early on to watch people and their "body talk" and to observe them to try to determine if they were positioning themselves to take me down. It was so sad to see Constable Lunsford being "circled" by these vultures for the end result.

Sergeant A. G. (Ret.)
Federal

January 17, 2014

I just saw his story again on Justice Files. Makes me cry every time. RIP officer.

Janie Flowers

July 5, 2013

It's difficult to speak of you and not feel strong emotions. Every time I watch the video of the night you were taken from us I have to make a conscious effort to breath. I never had the honor of meeting you but I feel a sense of loss when I think of you. Your sacrifice was not in vain. Only The Lord knows how many of our brothers and sisters are alive today because of your service and sacrifice. You are a hero who continues to inspire, teach, and save lives. I will always respect and honor you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your brave and honorable service. Rest easy my brother

Herb Fernandez
Detention Corporal
Midland County Sheriff's Office TX
Honor Guard Member

March 29, 2013

RIP! Hope this never happens to me and the other officers out there!

Aspiring Swat Member
None.

January 31, 2013

Rest in peace sir. Never forgotten

Bryan
Civilian

July 18, 2012

Constable Lunsford, I have watched your video in the academy and many times after. You are a true hero in my book. Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered.

Patrol Deputy Thomas Ray
Delta County Sheriff's Office

July 5, 2012

God Bless Constable Lunsford

Captain
Calgary Fire Department

April 11, 2012

R.I.P.

Sergeant
NYPD

March 26, 2012

You were a true Hero Sir. You were the 1st Officer that ever to have such an act recorded on dash cam. Because of that video, it help save a lot of peace officers life. I first saw it my freshman year in college and it touched all of us. Now several years later, I get the chance to let you know the impact you had. You will never be forgotten and I will continue to pray for your family. Rest in Peace now and we will take it from here. Thank you for your service Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first 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.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 23, 2012

Hoy, tomé unas Selecciones Readers Digest del año 1994 que tenía entre mis libros y leí una historia llamada de la siguiente manera: "El policía que delató a sus enemigos". Me impactó mucho, por eso no pude dejar de entrar a internet y ver al hombre que fue asesinado ese día. Me alegra que hasta el día de hoy lo recuerden con tanto cariño. Aunque nada tengo que ver en este asunto, la historia me conmovió, por eso quise dejar este mensaje de agradecimiento desde Chile.

Loreto González
Profesora / Chile

September 15, 2011