Trooper David Irvine Rucker, aged 37, was shot and killed on September 29, 1981, while making a traffic stop on Highway 100, six miles east of Los Fresnos, Texas. He was a dedicated officer with the Texas Highway Patrol, having served for 14 years. On the night of his death, Trooper Rucker had stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic violation. Unfortunately, he was fatally shot by the driver of the vehicle, who then fled the scene.
Shortly after Trooper Rucker's murder, Patrolman Enrique
Carrisalez of the Los Fresnos Police Department stopped the same suspect, unaware that he had just shot and killed Trooper Rucker. Patrolman Carrisalez was also shot and mortally wounded as he exited his patrol car. Trooper Rucker's body was found in the traffic lane, holding the identification of the suspect wanted in connection with both murders.
The suspect was eventually arrested and, after a series of investigations, was executed in 1993. During a search of the suspect's home, officers recovered the stolen duty weapon of Hidalgo County Constable Ricky Lewis, who had been murdered in 1979. However, the suspect was never charged with Constable Lewis' murder, which remains officially unsolved.
Trooper Rucker was survived by his wife and three children. His death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the law enforcement community. He is remembered for his dedication and service to the community.
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