Eddy County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico
End of Watch Saturday, June 3, 1922
Add to My HeroesGeorge Washington Batton
Sheriff George Batton was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend an escaped prisoner from Texas, who was serving a life sentence for murder.
Sheriff Batton, along with a posse of deputies and citizens, surrounded the suspect's hideout in the town of Hope. As Sheriff Batton entered the house, the suspect confronted the Sheriff and shot him in the abdomen killing him. The suspect continued to fire his weapon wounding a Deputy. The members of the posse returned fire and killing the suspect.
He had served as Eddy County Sheriff for two years. He had previously served four years as a deputy and eight years as sheriff of Brown County, Texas. During his time with Brown County, Sheriff Batton was present when Sheriff Charles Bell was shot and killed. Sheriff Batton returned fire and killed the suspect.
Sheriff Batton was survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son, who was later elected sheriff of Eddy County. He is buried in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Bio
- Age 58
- Tour 14 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsSheriff Batton,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Eddy County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
June 3, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024