Presidio County 1973-1973
Sheriff Ernest Daniel Hamilton
Ernest Daniel “Hank” Hamilton was born September 17, 1906 in Ballinger, Texas and killed in the line of duty on April 27, 1973 in Presidio County, Texas. At the time of his death, Sheriff Hamilton had been Sheriff of Presidio County, Texas for three months.
Upon request of U.S. Border Patrol, Sheriff Hamilton and a deputy questioned a man in a parked car near Marfa, Texas. During the questioning, the suspect suddenly opened fire, shooting Sheriff Hamilton five times and the deputy once. The suspect fled but was arrested by Borer Patrol agents a short distance away. The man, 51, was charged with capital murder. On June 13, 1973, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Sheriff Hamilton was a WWII United States Army Veteran and had previously served with the El Paso, Texas Police Department for six years, from 1936-1942. He was survived by his wife.

Ernest Daniel “Hank” Hamilton photo courtesy of Carl C. Williams collection