Sheriff Edward Rufus Garner

Edward Rufus Garner

Sheriff Ed Garner was shot and killed in retaliation for assisting a posse in arresting three brothers.

Three brothers were wanted for shooting up the town and disturbing the peace. Bee County Sheriff requested the assistance of Sheriff Garner in arresting the subjects. During the arrest attempt, a shootout occurred, and the father was killed before the brothers surrendered. While they were taken into custody, one of the subjects threatened Sheriff Garner.

A few months later, Sheriff Garner was at church with his family. When he exited the building, he was shot by the brother who had threatened him months prior.

The subject was sentenced to life in prison, and the Court of Appeals upheld the sentence. However, in 1885, he was pardoned by Governor John Ireland.

Sheriff Garner had served as Sheriff of the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office for two years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.