Deputy Sheriff Walter Q. Eckert, Jr., Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas

Deputy Sheriff Walter Q. Eckert, Jr.

Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, June 4, 1975

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Walter Q. Eckert, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Walter Eckert succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on February 1, 1967, while attempting to serve a warrant.

At 9:30 a.m., Deputy Eckert and Deputy Sheriff Benny Berry entered the man's residence at 7401 Grover Avenue in Austin after being told by a neighbor that the man was inside the home. The suspect opened fire on the deputies with an M-1 carbine, mortally wounding Deputy Berry in the chest and Deputy Eckert in the hip and calf. Deputy Eckert returned fire but did not strike the shooter as he fled the house. Deputy Eckert went to the house next door for back-up.

The suspect, who was on federal probation, was arrested and sentenced to 99 years in prison, but was released after serving only 13 years.

Deputy Eckert was transported to Brackenridge Hospital. Due to his wounds, he was medically retired. He succumbed to his wounds eight years later on June 4, 1975.

Deputy Eckert was a United States Army Air Forces WWII veteran. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, a son, and seven grandchildren.

Bio

Age 52
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, February 1, 1967
Weapon Rifle; M-1
Offender Released after 13 years

probation violation, warrant service

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Deputy Sheriff Eckert,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 4, 2025