Ricky Lee Ward was a 33-year-old officer with the Mexia Police Department who was shot and killed on August 2, 1993, while pursuing a suspected shoplifter. During the chase the suspect dropped a matchbox that Officer Ward believed contained narcotics; he stopped to pick it up as evidence. A cousin of the shoplifting suspect, hiding nearby, opened fire with a .380 caliber automatic pistol. One bullet passed between panels of Ward’s vest, struck his side and penetrated his aorta. He was taken to a local hospital and died about two hours later.

The shoplifting suspect was never charged in Ward’s murder. The cousin who fired the shots was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. Ward had served two years with the Mexia Police Department and his death prompted the formation of a Police Officers’ Wives Association to help ensure officers had proper protective vests.

Anyone who knew Officer Ward, his work in Mexia, or who has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.