Deputy Sheriff Alexander Stevens Downs, Jr

Alexander Stevens Downs, Jr

Nueces County Deputy Sheriff Alexander S. Downs, Jr., was working at a dance when he confronted Liborio Garza who was intoxicated and creating a disturbance. Deputy Sheriff Downs told Garza to "cut out the racket." As the deputy sheriff walked away Garza shot him and three bystanders. Deputy Sheriff Downs was taken to a doctor's home and died a few minutes later. Bystander Francisco Villarreal died and Jose Rodriguez and Andres Garcia were wounded. Liborio Garza pled insanity based on intoxication and smoking marijuana.

On January 7, 1933, Liborio Garza, 31, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He was pardoned on September 16, 1961.

Deputy Sheriff Downs was 23 years old and was survived by his wife and infant son.