WACO, Texas — Thirty years ago, four agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) died at the Branch Davidian Compound in Mount Carmel, just miles outside of Waco.
That morning of Feb. 28, 1993, a shootout between ATF and the Branch Davidians erupted after ATF tried to serve search and arrest warrants at the compound. Both parties claim the other shot first.
By the end of the shootout, Special Agents Steven D. Willis, Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan and Robert J. Williams were dead. About 16 other agents were wounded.
This marked the beginning of a deadly 51-day siege.
Below, you'll learn a little more about those who died that day:
Special Agent Steven D. Willis
Willis was born in New Orleans and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a Criminal Justice degree in 1986. During college, he interned with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
He joined ATF in 1990. Prior, he was an investigator with the Defense Investigative Service.
Per ATF, Willis loved race cars and was a race car driver during his free time. He competed in championship races between 1985 and 1988 and finished as one of the top three drivers.
Willis died at the age of 32 on Feb. 28, 1993. He was survived by his parents and sister.
Special Agent Conway C. LeBleu
LeBleu was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1962 and graduated from McNeese State University in Louisiana in 1987.
He joined ATF in August 1987 following a career with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Department in Louisiana. During his short tenure with ATF, he earned the Special Act Awards twice in 1988 and 1991 for investigative excellence, according to ATF.
He was 30 years old when he died on Feb. 28, 1993.
LeBleau loved sports and loved to hunt, ATF said. He was survived by his wife Paige and their two sons, Scott and Cameron.
Special Agent Todd W. McKeehan
McKeehan was born in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1964 and graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1988. During college, he was a member of the National Honor Society as well as completed an internship with the U.S. Marshals Service, according to ATF.
Prior to joining ATF in October 1989, he worked with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department in Tennessee. He was also a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
While in ATF, he received two Special Act Awards in 1990 and 1991 for his contributions to two major investigations, ATF said.
He was 28 years old when he died on Feb. 28, 1993. He was survived by his wife Leslie.
Special Agent Robert John Williams
Williams was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1967 and graduated from Florida State University in 1988.
He joined ATF in October 1988. During his time, he received several Letters of Appreciation by the department.
He was the son of a retired U.S. Secret Service Agent, as well as a certified scuba diver.
He was 26 years old when he died on Feb. 28, 1993. He was survived by his wife.
