Tragic loss shakes Texas law enforcement community
HOUSTON, TEXAS— A series of suicides among current and former deputies of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has left the department reeling, with four officers taking their own lives since February. The devastating trend includes three suicides occurring within a single week, authorities confirmed.
A series of heartbreaking incidents
The first tragedy struck on February 6, when retired Deputy Long Nguyen died by suicide, according to ABC 13.
Weeks later, on March 13, Deputy Christina Kohler, 37, was found dead after being reported missing for over a week.
Just three days later, former Deputy Maria Vasquez was discovered deceased, with the Houston Medical Examiner ruling her death as self-inflicted. Vasquez had retired from the force in December 2024.
The most recent loss came on March 19, when retired Deputy William Bozeman died by suicide after serving 24 years in the department.
Law enforcement community in mourning
The deaths have sent shockwaves through the HCSO and beyond, prompting deep concern among colleagues and law enforcement leaders.
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, admitted that the tragic losses took many by surprise.
“It hits very close to home, and it’s a reminder of how fragile life is,” Lopez told ABC 13. “We need to look out for each other. We do need to take care of each other.”
In response, the department has initiated ongoing mental health programs to address the disturbing pattern and provide resources for struggling officers.
Sheriff Gonzalez expresses grief
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also addressed the troubling spate of suicides, urging awareness and support for mental health among law enforcement personnel.
“Today we learned of a Harris County Sheriff’s Office retiree who died from an apparent suicide. This makes three for us within the span of a week. Our hearts are heavy,” Gonzalez wrote in a statement on Facebook. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends. It’s a painful reminder that life is fragile and time is not promised.”
A national conversation on mental health in policing
The alarming number of suicides within HCSO has reignited discussions on the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers. Studies have shown that police officers experience significantly higher rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide compared to the general population.
Mental health advocates stress the importance of accessible counseling, peer support programs, and intervention strategies to prevent further tragedies.
For those in crisis, help is available. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. In New York City, residents can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential crisis counseling.