Las Animas County Sheriff's Office, Colorado
End of Watch: Tuesday, April 7, 1908
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 7, 1908
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Antonio Shelby was shot and killed by a drunk man who was creating a disturbance at a local saloon. The deputy has observed the man mistreating his son in front of the saloon and escorted the boy home. When Deputy Shelby returned to the location the man was acting drunk and disorderly.
When Deputy Shelby told him to calm down, the man responded by firing at him. The round struck the deputy in the throat, killing him. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Deputy Shelby had served with the agency for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and five children.