Slain Police Officer’s Daughter Speaks
Just over one week ago I watched this clip. Because of other restraints, I have not had the chance to share it with you yet. This slain police officer’s daughter speaks at her dad’s funeral. This 1 minute 27 second clip is one of the most powerful I’ve ever seen from someone in this situation. Here’s the story and the clip…
The Story
Mesquite police officer Richard Houston, a 21-year veteran of the police department, died of gunshot wounds on December 3, 2021. Houston responded to a grocery store where Jamie Jaramillo shot and killed him. Jaramillo was there with his mistress when his wife confronted him about the affair. The Mesquite police were called about the domestic disturbance. When Houston arrived, Jaramillo pulled his gun and began shooting, hitting the officer twice. He then turned the gun on himself and shot himself in the head, although he lived.
Houston was a strong follower of Jesus Christ. His love of Jesus helped him love his neighbors and community as well. Throughout his career, he served in multiple positions including as a patrol officer, SWAT Team, investigator, juvenile/gang cases, and in other ways. He received almost 50 Letters of Commendation and other awards. The day he died, his Bible and devotions were among his gear beside him in his patrol car.
In this clip, you will hear Shelby, Houston’s 18-year-old daughter, at his funeral. The transcript of what she said is below. The clip is 1min:27sec.
Transcript of Her Remarks
I remember having conversations with my dad about him losing friends and officers in the line of duty, I have heard all the stories you can think of, but I always had such a hard time with how the suspect is dealt with. Not that I didn’t think there should be justice served, but my heart always ached for those who don’t know Jesus — their actions being a reflection of that. I was always told that I would feel differently if it happened to me, but as it happened to my own father, I think I still feel the same.
There has been anger, sadness, grief and confusion, and part of me wishes I could despise the man who did this to my father, but I can’t get any part of my heart to hate him.
All that I can find is myself hoping and praying for this man to truly know Jesus. I thought this might change if the man continued to live, but when I heard the news that he was in stable condition, part of me was relieved. My prayer is that someday down the road, I get to spend some time with the man who shot my father — not to scream at him, not to yell at him, not to scold him — simply to tell him about Jesus.
Two Simple Thoughts
First, may God richly bless this young lady. Shelby Houston spoke words of truth, mercy, and grace at her dad’s funeral. What an incredible Gospel-saturated way to live, full of grace, humility, and love. May God grant her continued mercy, compassion, and love that she has demonstrated. Given the disposition of his daughter and her love of Jesus Christ that drives her concern for the man who shot her father, I wish I would have known this man. I look forward to meeting him in heaven. For his wife and their children, my heart breaks and ask God to protect them spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Second, regarding Officer Richard Houston, his goal was not to die on December 3rd. Instead, it was to serve, help, and protect those in his community for whom he cared. Was it worth his life? He rolled up on a man getting confronted by his wife and daughter related to an affair. This police officer absolutely had nothing to do with the situation. Yet, this man took his life. I honor this officer and the thousands like him who serve every day. They risk their lives daily. They deserve our highest respect, cooperation, and regard. We cannot thank Officer Houston who ended his watch on December 3rd; the thousands who serve us each day we can. To those individuals, we thank you.
Watch Entire Funeral Below
Click here for a local television report of the funeral.
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