Deputy Sheriff James W. Bell

Deputy Sheriff James W. Bell

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico

End of Watch Thursday, April 28, 1881

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James W. Bell

Deputy Sheriff James Bell and Deputy Marshal Robert Olinger, of the United States Marshals Service, were shot and killed during an escape attempt by the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid.

Deputy Bell is buried in Cedarvale Cemetery, White Oaks, Lincoln County, New Mexico.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

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They always said Bob was a Bully, but James and Billy got along well, I found this and thought it interesting

After being shot Bell managed to stumbled outside but fell dead near the doorway. When Billy later passed his body he was heard to mutter "I'm sorry I had to kill you, but couldn't help it".

Bell was taken back to his home of White Oaks and buried in the cemetery.

Special Agent Niki Parks
North East Georgia Drug Task Force

October 4, 2021

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