Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, November 27, 1954
Add to My HeroesRobert J. Crosby
Patrolman Robert Crosby was shot and killed after he and his partner stopped two men for reckless driving at the intersection of Beaumont Highway and Baytown Highway (modern-day McCarty Street and Market Street) in Houston.
Unbeknownst to the officers, one of the men had just shot and wounded a Harris County sheriff's deputy who had stopped them minutes earlier. Before the officers could exit their vehicles, one of the men opened fire, shooting Patrolman Crosby in the face and wounding his partner. His partner was able to return fire, but both subjects escaped.
The men were arrested the next day. The shooter was a convicted felon who had just been released on parole. He and his brother had committed armed robbery of a motel and were fleeing the scene when they were pulled over. The brother was convicted of robbery. The shooter was convicted of capital murder and executed on April 4, 1957.
Patrolman Crosby had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for 14 months. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year, 2 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in 1957
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsPatrolman Crosby,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
November 27, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024