Deputy Sheriff Delbert L. Berry

Deputy Sheriff Delbert L. Berry

Apache County Sheriff's Office, Arizona

End of Watch Sunday, September 2, 1973

Add to My Heroes

Delbert L. Berry

Deputy Sheriff Del Berry was shot and killed on the Navajo Reservation in Lupton, Arizona.

He noticed approximately 20 people outside of a trading post and stopped to investigate. Unbeknownst to Deputy Berry, the group was looting the store. As he pulled into the parking lot, the group swarmed around his patrol car, and one of the men fired a shotgun into the vehicle, killing Deputy Berry. Deputy Berry's body was pulled from the vehicle, and five people, three adults, and two juvenile girls, then stole his patrol car and duty weapon.

The subjects who stole the patrol car were arrested a short time later. The man, 23, who shot Deputy Berry was arrested in Phoenix one month later and charged with murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term of 20 years. The subject was released in 2021.

The large group was affiliated with the American Indian Movement.

Deputy Berry had only served with the Apache County Sheriff's Office for two weeks and had previously served with the McKinley County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico for five years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Sentenced to 20 years

burglary

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Deputy Sheriff Berry,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Apache County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 2, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.