Marshal Roy Woofter

Marshal Roy Woofter

Roswell Police Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Saturday, May 27, 1911

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Roy Woofter

Marshal Roy Woofter succumbed to a gunshot wound received the previous day when he and other officers attempted to arrest a man for selling illegal alcohol from his home.

The subject let the officers into his home and then barricaded himself in another room. He shot Marshal Woofter through a window.

The 36-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to death. In 1913 the New Mexico Supreme Court granted him a new trial. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 99 years. He was pardoned by Acting Governor Antonio Lucero on December 21, 1918, with the condition that he leave New Mexico and never return.

Marshal Woofter had served with the Roswell Police Department as Marshal for one year and previously served with the Albia Police Department in Iowa and in West Virginia. He was survived by his wife.

He is buried in Oakview Cemetery in Albia, Iowa.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Friday, May 26, 1911
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Pardoned in 1918

alcohol violation, arrest attempt

Most Recent Reflection

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Marshal Woofter,
On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Roswell. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 27, 2021

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