Timothy Lowe Hearn, a 28-year-old male police officer of Caucasian ethnicity, tragically lost his life on June 8, 1978, in Houston, Texas. Officer Hearn was a dedicated member of the Houston Police Department's Narcotics Division, having served for three and a half years. He was born on November 8, 1949, in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Waltrip High School in 1968 and the University of Texas in 1973.
On the night of his death, Officer Hearn and his partner, Officer M.K.
Jordan, were conducting surveillance on a narcotics suspect named Rudy Esquiel at the Early Roberts Restaurant. At around 3:00 a.m., the suspect and two females exited the restaurant. Officers Hearn and Jordan approached them and placed them under arrest. As they began to search the suspects, Rudy Esquiel pulled out a .38 caliber handgun and opened fire, hitting both officers. Officer Hearn was critically wounded and was flown to Hermann Hospital for emergency surgery. Despite the medical team's efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at 5:20 a.m.
The suspect, Rudy Esquiel, was charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and possession of heroin. He was convicted and sentenced to death by injection. On August 18, 1978, Judge Fred Hooey passed the judgment, and Esquiel was executed on June 9, 1986.
Officer Hearn's death deeply affected the Houston Police Department and the community. In his honor, the "Tim Hearn Memorial Softball Tournament" is held annually, and a softball diamond, originally called Jackson Hill, was renamed "Tim Hearn Field". Officer Hearn is survived by his wife, Jenny Hearn; son, Torrance Hearn; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hearn; and sister, Sayra Hesselsweet.
Officer Timothy Lowe Hearn's legacy continues to be remembered and honored by those who knew him and the community he served.
