In Memorium: Funeral Services Set for Slain Texas Game Ward

[SHANEA]

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20070319a

In Memorium, Justin Hurst - TPWD


Somehow, I missed this story :shock:  :!:   This is beyond tragic and the person that is responsible for this, well, lets just say "hang em high" or fire up old Sparky...  See the very bottom for details...  What a tragedy. :twisted:  :twisted:  :twisted:  

Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, (512) 389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.state.tx.us

March 19, 2007

Funeral Services Set for Slain Texas Game Warden
AUSTIN, Texas – Funeral services for Texas Game Warden Justin Hurst have been set for Wednesday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in El Campo. Hurst, 34, was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, March 17.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, at Triska Funeral Home, 612 Merchant Street, El Campo, Texas. There will be no graveside service; however, following the funeral service there will be a procession to the Legion Hall for a reception.

Hurst started his career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a biologist in August 1995 specializing in waterfowl management along the mid-coast. He was part of the 48th Texas Game Warden Academy and graduated in August of 2002. He served about a year in Brazos County before moving to Wharton County in 2003.

Hurst is survived by his wife, Amanda, and son, Kyle Hunter, age 4 months, his parents, Allen and Pat Hurst of Bryan, a brother, Greg Hurst of Denver, Colorado, and in-laws, Larry and Jeanie Wilcox of Denton, Texas.

Memorial fund donations may be made to Operation Game Thief, c/o Justin Hurst Memorial Fund, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX, 78744. The Houston 100 Club is also accepting donations for the family at: 100 Club Survivor’s Fund 1233 West Loop South, Suite 1250, Houston, TX 77027-9107.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/11282259/detail.html

Click2Houston.com
Related To Story

Video: Game Warden Shot, Killed On Job

 
Game Warden Killed In Early-Morning Shootout
Wharton County Man Charged In Warden's Death

POSTED: 5:56 pm CDT March 17, 2007
UPDATED: 9:17 am CDT March 19, 2007

WEST BERNARD, Texas -- Capital murder charges will be filed against a Wharton County man in connection with the slaying of Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Justin Hurst.

Hurst, 34, was killed early Saturday morning after a pursuit that involved the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Wharton County sheriff's deputies and Department of Public Safety troopers.

Hurst was shot at least twice by an automatic rifle, with bullets striking his upper torso and legs, said police.

CPR was performed at the scene, and an air ambulance was called, but Hurst was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Hermann Memorial Hospital.

Police said a warrant would be served to James Freeman, 26, Saturday. He is currently under guard at Oak Bend hospital in Rosenberg, where he is being treated for gunshot wounds, said police.

Another game warden reportedly spotted Freeman and suspected him of illegally hunting from the road. When he approached the vehicle, Freeman fled, said authorities.

Hurst was called in as backup to the first warden and other law enforcement agencies responded as well. After a lengthy pursuit that reached speeds near 100 mph, Freeman's car was stopped by DPS and gunfire was exchanged, said police.

The shooting occurred off U.S. 90-A, several miles west of East Bernard, near midnight Friday.

Officials were at the scene Saturday morning taking photographs, collecting evidence and interviewing sheriff's department deputies who were also involved in the shooting.

A DPS helicopter was also taking aerial pictures of the scene.

"The Texas Rangers are investigating this case. Since it is an ongoing investigation, we will be releasing no more information at this time," said Texas Ranger Capt. Tony Leal.

Hurst was married and had a 4-month-old child. The game warden's birthday would have been Saturday.

Related Story

Club Requests Donations For Slain Game Warden

[presidio]

This is beyond tragic and the person that is responsible for this, well, lets just say "hang em high" or fire up old Sparky...  See the very bottom for details...  What a tragedy.

Yes it is. Being a game warden is among the most dangerous of LE jobs.

[SHANEA]

Yes it is. Being a game warden is among the most dangerous of LE jobs.

I can see that - as the people that they are after are hunters, etc.  and have a gun on them.  But why the heck would some one poaching do something like this.  This person is going to the big house and get strapped to the gurney instead of paying a fine or some short prison stay for poacing?  Just absolutely senceless, and has a 4 month old son to boot.  

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/4641775.html

Game warden's death a capital murder case


By PAIGE HEWITT
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

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The 26-year-old man accused of killing a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden was moved to the Harris County jail Sunday and was charged with capital murder of a police officer.

James Garrett Freeman, of Lissie, is accused of killing Justin Hurst, 34, during a shootout Saturday when officers were trying to arrest him as an illegal-hunting suspect.

Hurst, a graduate of Conroe High School and Texas A&M University, was "passionate about the outdoors and all of God's creations," said his wife, Amanda Wilcox Hurst.

Hurst, who leaves behind 4-month-old son, Kyle, will be cremated; his ashes will be spread across the bay in Palacios, the couple's favorite place.

"He was an incredible, incredible man," she said. "He meant a lot to a lot of people. He was great at everything he did. He never went halfway with anything." He even folded clothes, she said, laughing.

She said every morning Hurst brought her coffee and they sat together on the porch at their El Campo home.

And when coming home from a job he loved "so much," he always "came through the door and said, 'Where's my baby?' "

Joyce McCormick, Hurst's minister at First United Methodist Church of El Campo said he was a man of "deep faith and the highest integrity who didn't talk so much about his faith, but he lived it."

McCormick, also a close family friend who has been consoling the Hursts and will deliver the funeral service, said Hurst had a special connection with children and reached out to those in need.

The events that led to Hurst's death began late Friday night or early Saturday morning when a warden, suspecting that Freeman was poaching, approached his vehicle. Freeman fled, and a chase ensued.

Hurst and officers with the Wharton County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety were called in as backup. After a lengthy pursuit, the DPS stopped Freeman, and heavy gunfire was exchanged.

Hurst was taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann-The Texas Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Freeman, who was also shot, was initially hospitalized, under guard, before being moved to the jail.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church of El Campo.

[BigBendHiker]

Somehow, I missed this story :shock:  :!:   This is beyond tragic and the person that is responsible for this, well, lets just say "hang em high" or fire up old Sparky...  See the very bottom for details...  What a tragedy.

Indeed.  This was just up the road from us and shocked everyone here in Victoria.  So sad.


BBH

[presidio]

But why the heck would some one poaching do something like this.

Because he is 1) stupid and 2) committing a criminal act. Like all criminals, he thought he could get away with it.