Police Officer Richard Lee Houston, II, Mesquite Police Department, Texas

Police Officer Richard Lee Houston, II

Mesquite Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Friday, December 3, 2021

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Richard Lee Houston, II

Police Officer Richard Houston was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance in the parking lot of a grocery store at 1500 S Beltline Road.

During the investigation, a man produced a gun and opened fire on Officer Houston at about 1:40 pm. Both Officer Houston and the subject were critically wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Officer Houston was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The subject survived his wounds. In 2022, he was convicted of capital murder of a police officer and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Officer Houston had served with the Mesquite Police Department for 21 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and one son. His father had served with the Mesquite Police Department.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 21 years
Badge 821

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Life without parole

disturbance

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Most Recent Reflection

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It has already been 4 years. It seems like it was just yesterday. I can still hear our conversations in the parking lot after squad meeting. While most of us were still trying to wake up, you were already pumped for the day. Trying to get the rest of us pumped. But you never missed the opportunity to engage someone, motivate them, or just listen and pray with them.

You were a hell of an officer and even better friend. You will never be forgotten, for your impact on everyone you met will resonate for eternity.

Until we meet again brother.

Steve Birk
Mesquite PD- Retired

December 4, 2025