Sheriff W. T. "Brack" Morris, age 40, was shot and killed on June 12, 1901, while investigating a horse theft near Kenedy, Texas. During the investigation, Morris questioned Gregorio Cortez, a tenant farmer, about the stolen horse. A misunderstanding arose due to a language barrier, and Morris shot and wounded Cortez's brother, Romaldo. In response, Cortez shot and killed Morris.
Following Morris's death, Cortez fled and evaded authorities for ten days.
During the manhunt, Cortez killed Gonzales County Sheriff Richard Glover and Posseman Henry Schnabel, who were attempting to arrest him. Eventually, Cortez was captured and stood trial. He was acquitted of Morris's murder by reason of self-defense but was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the other killings. In 1913, Texas Governor O.B. Colquitt issued a conditional pardon to Cortez, who later died in 1916.
The case of Sheriff Morris's death highlighted issues of racial tension and the complexities of law enforcement in early 20th-century Texas. Despite the tragic outcome, Morris's legacy as a dedicated law enforcement officer is remembered by his family and the community.
