Rocky Ford Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 18, 1911
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 4, 1911
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Night Marshal Jake Kipper and Marshal Jesse Craig were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man at the scene of a family disturbance. As they attempted to arrest the man his family started fighting with the officers. The subject was able to gain control of Marshal Craig's pistol and fatally shot both officers.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested two days later by the mayor and acting city marshal. He was sentenced to death, but the sentence was later commuted to life. In 1914 he received a new trial and was acquitted of both murders. In 1916 he was convicted of another murder and sentenced to life.
Night Marshal Kipper had served with the agency for 2 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons and is buried in Valley View Cemetery, Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado.