Deputy Sheriff Tim Hudson, 61, was shot and killed on August 20, 1988, while pursuing two robbery suspects along Interstate 10 in Belding, Texas. The suspects, cousins who had escaped from a Kansas prison and were traveling toward Mexico after stealing gas in Bakersfield, Texas, were stopped by Hudson using a rolling road block when one of them fired a .357 caliber handgun, fatally wounding him.

Both suspects were eventually apprehended. The shooter was identified as Charles E. Smith; he was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. His cousin Carroll Smith was convicted for his role and received a life sentence. Hudson, a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, had served 30 years with the Pecos County Sheriff’s Department and was due to retire in nine months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

Anyone who knew Deputy Hudson or has information about the events leading up to the shooting is asked to come forward.