Patrolman Travis Raburn Locker

Travis Raburn Locker

Patrolman Locker was shot and killed at 10 p.m. after he stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on U.S. 77 north of Waxahachie.

The car, occupied by three teenagers and two soldiers, had been stolen in Dallas. When Patrolman Locker discovered a bag of beer, the three teenagers jumped him, took his revolver, and shot him. The soldiers, who were hitchhiking and had been given a ride, tried to help Patrolman Locker but were held back at gunpoint. The three fled but crashed their car into a retaining wall seconds later. One, 15, was captured at the scene, and the other two, 16 and 18, surrendered to authorities a week later.

On June 19, 1970, one suspect, 16, was convicted of murder with malice and sentenced to 25 years. Another, 18, was sentenced to five years. The third suspect was tried as a juvenile and received no sentence.

Patrolman Locker had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for nine years and was stationed at Waxahachie. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.