Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas
End of Watch: December 16, 2024

One year ago, the law enforcement community lost a remarkable young man, Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias, a 28-year-old protector, artist, brother, and friend. His passing on December 16, 2024, was not only a tragedy for his family and colleagues but for every correctional professional who understands the weight of the badge and the daily risks behind the walls.

Today, on the one-year anniversary of his End of Watch, we honor Isaiah’s life, service, and the immeasurable impact he made in just 28 years.

A Calling He Carried Since Childhood

Isaiah Bias knew from a young age that he wanted to work in law enforcement. That passion became reality at age 19, when he joined the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. Over the next six years, he became known as a dedicated professional, quiet, dependable, humble, and deeply committed to the safety of his coworkers and the well-being of those in his care.

Colleagues described him as the kind of person you could rely on without question: family-oriented, helpful, and driven by a genuine desire to serve.

That calling ultimately led him to the Wayne McCollum Detention Center, where he showed up every day with courage and integrity.

The Incident and Investigation

On December 15, 2024, while escorting inmate Aaron Thompson back to his cell, Officer Bias was violently attacked. Despite an immediate response, he succumbed to his injuries at a Baylor hospital in Waxahachie the following day.

Thompson has since been charged with capital murder, and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office has publicly announced its intent to seek the death penalty. The Texas Rangers and Texas Department of Public Safety continue to oversee the investigation.

His death marked only the second detention officer who was killed in the line of duty in Texas this century.

A Life Overflowing With Talent, Joy, and Purpose

To his family, Isaiah was so much more than his uniform.

Born in Moriarty, New Mexico, and raised across Texas, Isaiah was the second oldest of eleven children and the first son. From early childhood, he embraced the role of protector and encourager—guiding his siblings, helping support his family, and leading with wisdom far beyond his years.

Homeschooled through a creative, hands-on curriculum, Isaiah flourished. Anything he became interested in, he mastered:

• Art: drawing, portraiture, painting, wood and metal work

• Music: self-taught on eight instruments, composing and recording his own songs

• Craftsmanship: building swords for friends and siblings (complete with glitter paint for his younger sisters)

• Technology: 3-D printing, CGI design, and digital art

He was preparing a professional art portfolio and planning a move to Austin to pursue creative opportunities and be closer to his family.

Isaiah was also a gifted actor, a performer, and a beloved member of the Phoenix Repertory Players. He spent countless hours sharing music at church, singing while working, and lifting spirits wherever he went.

And above all, he adored his role as an uncle, making his nieces and nephew laugh, feel brave, and feel loved.

A Leader and Protector in Every Stage of Life

Isaiah’s journey into corrections began at age 14, when he joined the Ellis County Explorers program. The mentors he met—especially Jeff Prater—made a profound impact on his life. He excelled at Explorers competitions, brought several of his siblings into the program, and even pinned his brother Everett’s stars when Everett became chief of the group.

His love of training, service, and skill development continued throughout his adult life. He trained regularly in firearms and later assisted other law enforcement officers in their training efforts.

Those who knew him best often speak of his emotional intelligence, his ability to listen deeply, understand others, and help them work through challenges. He was a source of strength, healing, and acceptance to countless people.

Honoring a Fallen Officer

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the local community, and law enforcement across Texas mourned Isaiah deeply. CPOF Field Representative Kelli Forrester and CPOF Honor Guard Team Member Delois Bradford proudly represented the Foundation at his services, standing in support of the family he cherished and the colleagues who will never forget him.

Today, we stand with Isaiah’s mother, Natalie Barr, his six sisters, five brothers, nieces and nephew, and the countless loved ones who continue to carry his memory.

His life was marked by kindness, talent, compassion, and strength. His service was honorable. And his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Continuing His Legacy

A music account has been created to share Isaiah’s original compositions—capturing the creativity, emotion, and brilliance that defined so much of his life.

To listen or support the family, visit: isaiahbias.bandcamp.com

We Remember

On this first anniversary of his End of Watch, we remember Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias—not only for how he died, but for how he lived:

With purpose.
With courage.
With heart.
With immeasurable light.

Rest in peace, Officer Bias. We will carry your story forward.