Undersheriff Martin R. Kempton

Undersheriff Martin R. Kempton

Graham County Sheriff's Office, Arizona

End of Watch Saturday, February 9, 1918

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Martin R. Kempton

Undersheriff Martin Kempton, Sheriff Robert McBride, and Deputy Sheriff Kane Wooton were shot and killed as they approached a cabin where they intended to arrest two brothers and another man for draft evasion. During the exchange of gunfire, one suspect was also killed at the scene.

A month later three suspects were captured by a U.S. Cavalry Patrol near Hachita, New Mexico.

Three of the suspects, two of them brothers, were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Two were paroled in 1960 and pardoned in 1969; the third suspect died in prison on January 24, 1957, at the age of 86. At that time he was Arizona's oldest prisoner. A fourth suspect was killed at the scene.

Undersheriff Kempton was survived by his wife and seven children.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle
  • Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

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No passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always and know that your law enforcement family will never forget.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 9, 2021

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