Timothy Scott Abernethy, a 43-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on December 7, 2008, in Houston, Texas. Officer Abernethy was a decorated officer with the Houston Police Department, serving with distinction and honor for 11 years. On the day of his death, Officer Abernethy conducted a traffic stop on a suspect's vehicle in the parking lot of the Luxor Park Apartments at 5801 West Sunforest.
The suspect, Mabry Joseph Landor III, a black male born on August 31, 1980, fled from Officer Abernethy and ran into the apartment complex. During the foot pursuit, Officer Abernethy lost sight of Landor as he chased him around a building. Landor hid behind a gate and ambushed Officer Abernethy, shooting him twice in the torso and then walking around him to shoot him in the head. Officer Abernethy was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later.
Mabry Joseph Landor III was arrested within an hour of the shooting by deputies from the Harris County Sheriff's Department. He was charged with capital murder of a police officer in the 209th State District Court. Landor admitted to his involvement in Officer Abernethy's murder and stated that he discarded the weapon, a pistol, within miles of the shooting scene. On April 6, 2010, Landor was found guilty of the murder and was sentenced to death.
Officer Abernethy's death was a significant loss to the Houston Police Department and the community he served. He was highly respected by his peers and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and siblings. The Houston Police Department and the community continue to honor his memory and his dedication to serving and protecting the citizens of Houston.
