Watch CBS News

Funeral held for slain Houston-area sheriff's deputy

NORTH TEXAS -- Police from around the nation are among thousands of people gathered at a Houston church for the funeral of slain Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth.

CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reports that it was a somber morning at the Irving Police Department in Texas. Members of the department went to their squad cars and turned on their red and blue lights. It was one-minute show of support for their colleague, who was shot dead a week ago while putting gas in his patrol car in Houston.

deputy-darren-goforth-funeral1.jpg
Lt. Don Savell at Deputy Darren Goforth Funeral. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asked officers on patrol around the state turn on their vehicles' flashing lights for a minute as services began Friday morning. The Governor also ordered that the Texas flags across the state be lowered to half-staff on the day of the funeral.

"We must come together to honor Deputy Goforth and the essential role law enforcement plays in serving and protecting our states' families and communities," Abbott said in a statement.

Thirty-year-old Shannon Miles, who has a history of mental illness and arrests, is charged in the death of the 47-year-old veteran officer.

shannon-j-miles.jpg
Authorities have arrested Shannon J. Miles, 30, on capital murder charges in the killing of Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth. Harris County Sheriff's Office

Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said the attack was "clearly unprovoked," and there is no evidence that Goforth knew Miles. Investigators have no information from Miles that would shed light on his motive, Hickman said.

The motive remains unknown. Second Baptist Church, which holds some 7,000 people and is one of Houston's largest churches, is filled. The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute, a procession with a riderless horse and a police helicopter flyover.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.