Patrolman Nash Phillip Garcia
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico
End of Watch: Friday, April 11, 1952

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, April 11, 1952
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Two suspects convicted

Patrolman Garcia was shot and killed after being lured into a pursuit on U.S. 66 near Grants. The two suspects had prior dealings with Patrolman Garcia and intentionally broke several traffic laws in order to have Patrolman Garcia attempt to follow them. During the pursuit the suspects drove onto a dirt road in a mountainous area. As Patrolman Garcia came around a bend he was fatally shot by one of the brothers with a rifle.

When his patrol car came to a stop the suspects dragged him out of it and beat him with the rifle butt until it broke. They then drove his car into a patch of trees. They returned the next day and lit the car on fire.

After a witness came forward the suspects were apprehended and told officers where they hid Patrolman Garcia's body. The suspects were sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder.

Patrolman Garcia had been in law enforcement for ten years and was survived by his wife and three daughters.