Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I took office as the District Attorney for Dimmit County on January 1,1991 a few days later I had this capital murder case to handle. My father was the Zavala County Sheriff at that time and it really hit home. Doc was a good friend to my father and I. I and Robert Lee Little tried the defendants. One has already died in prison and the other one will soon die in prison as well.
Roberto Serna
293rd Judicial District Attorney

Roberto Serna
293rd Judicial District Attorney

January 21, 2024

My elderly friend Jo Nell (Johnson) Williams lived for a time in Carizzo Springs working as a waitress in two of the diners. She fondly remembers being addressed by Doc Murry as "Little Maggie".
As has been mentioned so often, everyone was someone to Doc. He took time to actually see who people were and to recognize them personally no matter where they stood on the social ladder.
God rest your soul Doc. I'm looking forward to meeting you in the heavenly one day.

Rod Hankamp, Sergeant
Michigan State Police

January 19, 2023

I helped the Rangers with the crime scene. What stayed in my mind Doc put up a tough fight even after being stabbed. He tried to get to his pistol. And one of the suspects shot him in the head. To see the Sheriff just angered everyone we were all deterimed to find the suspects. I remember they brought a hound dog and the dog led us to one of the suspects house. The DPS crime scene team was awesome in collecting all evidence. I time to time remember Doc. May he rest in peace. I have since retired but continue to teach criminal justice at the high school.

Sgt. Victor Juarez
Maverick County Sheriffs Office

March 3, 2022

If there were just one thing that I would want people to know about Ben, few others cared as much as Ben did about everyone he served and everyone around him. Ben, You've made a positive difference in my life, and I know others that appreciate your kindness too.

Carrizo Springs became a different world without your presence. And for all those who you cooked dinner for year after year, I thank you for going above and beyond what is required for someone who had so much to do for so many good people.

Soon my family will return to Maverick Co., a short distance from Carrizo Springs, where I will continue to help the people of Texas.

Si Dios está dispuesto

Deputy "Narc"
Sheriff's Office

July 18, 2021

Sheriff Murray,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dimmit County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 6, 2021

Doc Murray.
Pain. Tears. Loss. Hero. Man. Respect. Best. Leader. Trust.
9th Street. Home. Friend. Confidant. Name. Handshake. Cold Sunday morning. Shock.

My daddy idolized Doc! They worked together when Anderson Butler Ford was thriving. They, as many others, were home grown... no level of wealth or political affiliation kept them from their years of friendship.

Penny L. Stobaugh
Carrizo Springs, Texas - Home

January 5, 2019

I worked with Ben many years in Dimmit county. Good man.

Jack Pool, U.S. Border Patrol, 1971 to 2002. I have personally known many officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may they rest in peace.

May 29, 2018

So many years have gone by, But it feels like it was only yesterday.
Two cowards took your life. I wish they would have given me a chance to take there's but they were both Cowards they gave up.
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Or the day you asked me if I wanted to go to the academy. Today 2016 I am still very grateful for the chance that you gave me.

Investigator R. Mendoza
Dimmit County Sheriff dept.

May 19, 2016

I grew up in Carrizo and proud to say Doc and Lico Murray were my friends. Doc was one of the best Sheriff to have served Dimmit County. Doc went from a Ford Dealer sales person to city Marshall, county deputy and on to become the first Mexican/American Sheriff of Dimmit County. RIP Doc you are greatly missed by all those that knew you.

Juan Castaneda/Retired

January 6, 2016

Sheriff Murray,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dimmit County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 6, 2015

Daddy,I miss you so very much I think about you everyday I love you daddy

Mary Alice Murray Valdez

January 5, 2015

I am a police officer for the San Antonio Police Department. I am from Carrizo Springs, TX. I was but a child when this happened but I distinctly remember thinking "the Sheriff is a hero." His granddaughter was a very good friend of mine in high school and I witnessed the lingering effects this job has on our families. God bless you and keep you Sheriff.

Officer Jesse Trevino
San Antonio Police Department

May 10, 2014

I am presently in Carrizo Springs, Texas and the badge number for Sheriff Murray on his commemorative bust is 738. I am not sure how else to relay this information so that the Sheriff's profile can be updated. The Sherrif Department Offices here are named after him.

Border Patrol Agent Steve
Border Patrol

January 2, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Sheriff Ben Murray, always remembered.

South Texas Chapter of C.O.P.S.

January 5, 2013

always remembered, never forgotten...thank you for your love,and respect....you are the "wind beneath our wings"
our family cherishes the visits to carizzo springs....

sal & stefanie perales
relative

July 20, 2011

Ben Doc Murry was one of the reasons I decided to pickup the profession of Law Enforcement I know in spirit he is always protecting me as I do my Job in Laredo Webb County he will always be missed. God Bless You All For the nice comments you have left.

Deputy Inv.
Webb County Sheriffs Office

May 25, 2011

Ben was a cousin of my mom , but very much like a father to me and was my fathers best friend. This man would give the shirt off your back if you were a stranger and needed it more than him,.He is a hero to a lot of people that knew him.If you didn't know him, just talk to some of the people that did and you will realize that this man was the best of the best. I had the privilege of having him in my life; i have always had the interest of cooking, he was the best when it came to cooking whether it was on the stove , on a grill or an open fire. Doc respected you if you were a new born or a 100 yrs old. he would take the time to get to know you. As for his job as a Peace officer, He made it look so easy.Doc knew how to approach everyone.If you could of only seen his the turn out for his funneral, you would then understand how much of an influence this Man had on people.From all over this Country,Police, Border Patrol,various government agencies as well as relatve payed their respects. As for Dimmit County, it will never be the same.I have not been back to Carrizo Springs all that much since his death, but the times I did go, you could feel his absense.So as I stated earlier on what Doc would do for a stranger, the people that that were in his life could never return what he would do for you. Did not know a better " PEOPLE PERSON" than Sheriff Ben "Doc" Murray.Just to know him made you a better person.For as long as his loved ones live on and talk about him, his legend lives on!!

david castellanos , a relative

February 11, 2010

i had the honor of working for the late sheriff he was one of a kind.He will forever remain in our hearts

corina munoz
ex dispatcher

June 11, 2009

Ben "Doc" Murray was one of the best men I ever knew, and for sure the best Officer ever known..

Alycia Vasquez
Friend

May 8, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 1, 2008

I knew Doc since I was a child growing up in Carrizo Springs. I heard of this tragic event and was very shocked. Carrizo used to be like "mayberry" and Doc was just like Andy. He was the man who never needed his side arm and handled most incidents with a stearn voice and a few words of advice. This world has lost a good man whose shoes n other man will be abe to fill. Thanks to the Texas Rangers and the DPS Crime Lab for bringing justice those involved.

Investigator Gabriel R. Gauna
Travis County Medical Examiner

August 13, 2007

I knew Sheriff " Doc" Murray ever since I was a young child. To me, he was the greatest law enforcement hero I had ever met. I still talk about him to cops I know and speak of him to my new fresh cadets wanting to start law enforcement. I will always remember Sheriff Murray as a happy individual who would always have a smile for me as a child. I do miss him and know that he is now with the LORD in peace. Goodbye "Doc".

Instructor Hector Ruiz
LRGVDC Regional Police Academy

July 17, 2007

I am sorry you were taken from this earth. You seemed like a great American. I know you are in good hands with God. Its a shame the suspect could not be put down just because he was a dummy.

Andrew McGahey
Former Police Officer

November 8, 2006

A true Texas Lawman who was as honest as they come. He was an example to many who joined law enforcement.

E. Fiscal
FBOP

July 25, 2005