Clinton Greenwood, a 57-year-old white male, was tragically killed on April 3, 2017, in Baytown, Texas. Greenwood, who served as the Assistant Chief Deputy with the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office, was ambushed and shot outside the Baytown courthouse as he arrived for work. Despite his efforts to radio for help, he succumbed to his injuries at Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Greenwood had a distinguished career in law enforcement, having previously served as a Major with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, where he led the Internal Affairs Division. He was also a graduate of Rice University and South Texas College of Law.
The investigation into Greenwood's murder revealed that the suspect, William Francis Kenney, a 64-year-old white male, had a long-standing grudge against the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Kenney had a history of filing complaints against Harris County officials, including accusations of corruption. His obsession with Greenwood began when Greenwood was in charge of the Internal Affairs Division. Kenney's grievances stemmed from a domestic dispute in 2012, which led to his divorce and subsequent fixation on law enforcement officials. On the day after the murder, Kenney committed suicide using the same firearm he had used to kill Greenwood.
The case was solved through surveillance footage and a rental car that Kenney had used. The footage showed Kenney near the courthouse on the day of the murder, and the rental car was traced back to him. Despite the resolution of the case, the law enforcement community mourned the loss of Greenwood, who was remembered for his dedication and service. The investigation highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the impact of unresolved personal grievances on public safety.
