Eastland County, TX – Eastland County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) Deputy David “Dave” Bosecker was murdered in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance on Friday night.

The incident began at approximately 9 p.m. on July 21, when the ECSO received a report of a domestic disturbance in progress at a residence located between Rising Star and Cisco on Highway 183, the sheriff’s office said in a press release the following morning.

Deputy Bosecker was first to arrive at the scene and immediately came under fire, according to investigators.

The veteran deputy was fatally wounded in the ambush.

Additional deputies arrived at the scene and apprehended the gunman.

No one else was injured during the melee.

The suspect was arrested on a capital murder charge and was booked into the Stephens County Jail.

He was later identified as 42-year-old Cody Pritchard, Eastland County Today reported.

A motive was not immediately released.

The Texas Rangers are handling the ongoing investigation.

Deputy Bosecker devoted more than 21 years to his law enforcement career, according to the ECSO.

He first worked as a deputy for the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, and later took a position with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Deputy Bosecker then spent a period of time as a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden and Comanche Police Department officer before he joined the ECSO in 2021.

Deputy Bosecker was also serving as a part-time Cisco Police Department marine enforcement officer at the time of his murder.

Hundreds of people offered their condolences to the ECSO and Deputy Bosecker’s family in response to news of his murder.

“He was a great man. He will be missed,” one message read. “Prayers for family and department.”

“My thoughts and prayers to his family and all who knew and loved him,” another person wrote. “Thankful for his service and his service to our county.”

RIP. Texas Deputy Sheriff David Bosecker was murdered when he was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. STOP SHOOTING MY POLICE OFFICERS!!! #rip #hero #murdered #eow #DeputySheriffDavidBosecker #EastlandCountySheriffsOffice #thinblueline #bluelivesmatter pic.twitter.com/qeYLLQiOZJ

— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) July 22, 2023

We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Texas’ Eastland County Deputy Sheriff Mason Bosecker.

Deputy Sheriff Bosecker was shot & killed while responding to a domestic violence call. David served in law enforcement for 21 years. Never forget. pic.twitter.com/ZHcwjIpm8n

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) July 23, 2023

Today, we mourn the loss of Eastland County Sheriff’s Deputy David Bosecker, who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Please keep Deputy Bosecker’s family, friends, the community and the Eastland County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/1o0OHJnSey

— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) July 22, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Eastland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy David “Dave” Bosecker, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Deputy David Bosecker, your life mattered.