Patrol Officer David Wilburn Roberts, 23, of the Paris Police Department was shot and killed on September 21, 1985, while attempting to apprehend suspects in an armed robbery. Roberts had served two years with the department. He stopped a vehicle that matched the description of one used in a robbery at a Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store; while using his radio a suspect exited the vehicle and shot him through the windshield, striking his neck. As Roberts tried to exit his patrol car through the passenger door, a suspect approached and shot him three more times in the back.

A massive manhunt followed, involving more than 50 officers, Texas Rangers, officers from Lamar and Titus counties, search dogs, a helicopter, and two private airplanes. The suspects were captured about eight hours later in a rural area near the Oklahoma border and were later convicted of capital murder; the primary suspect was executed in 1997. Officer Roberts was survived by his wife and son and is remembered for his dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty.

If anyone knew Officer Roberts, the scene that night, or has information about the suspects’ movements before the stop, please share what can help close gaps in the timeline.