Police Officer James Bruce Irby

Police Officer James Bruce Irby | Houston Police Department, Texas
Houston Police Department, Texas
Police Officer James Bruce Irby

Houston Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, June 27, 1990

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James Bruce Irby

Officer James Irby was shot and killed when he stopped a car for a minor traffic violation near the intersection of Airline Drive and Lyerly Street.

As he was talking with the driver, the passenger exited the vehicle and shot Officer Irby five times with a .357 handgun.

The suspect was convicted of Officer Irby's murder and subsequently sentenced to death. He was executed by lethal injestion on April 21, 2022. Now 78, he was Texas' oldest death row inmate.

Officer Irby had served 17 years with the Houston Police Department. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour 17 years
  • Badge 189

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
  • Offender Executed in 2022

traffic stop

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James, I remember calling you the morning you got shot to let you know that your motorcycle boots were ready to be picked up from the Palace Boot Shop. I had just finished putting the last coat of polish on them. I later served over 65 years in the Navy and 13 years as a deputy sheriff in part due to the role model you were. Thank you for taking the oath to serve and protect. It is an oath that I will live the rest of my life trying to uphold. I could not be there to watch your 6 that day, but will have it from here to eternity.

Sgt. N. Clartk
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Friend

October 6, 2023

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