Special Agent John Watson
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
U.S. Government
End of Watch: Monday, May 2, 1921

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, April 30, 1921
Incident Location: New Mexico
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended

On Saturday, April 30, 1921, Prohibition Agents John Watson and B. W. Holzman were returning to El Paso, Texas from Anthony, New Mexico when they offered assistance to stalled motorists. Agent Watson discovered a load of liquor in one of the cars and a gun fight erupted when Watson ordered the men arrested. Agent Holzman was hit in both arms and the chin. Agent Watson was hit in the left lung. Both agents were taken to Hotel Dieu Hospital. Both bones of Officer Holzman’s left forearm are broken. Officers found a blood trail indicating at least one of the bootleggers was wounded. Empty rifle, shotgun and pistols shells were found at the scene.

Mrs. Marian [Marion] Watson and her sister stayed with Agent Watson until he died on Monday, May 2, 1921 at 5:30 a.m. Watson was a former army captain and his body received a military honor guard to the train station. His wife and brother, Charles Watson, accompanied the body to Lebanon, Missouri, for burial.

Five men were apprehended and charged with Agent Watson's murder. He was the 4th prohibition agent killed in 1921 in El Paso area.