Sierra County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico
End of Watch: Sunday, October 4, 1942
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 3, 1942
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Deputy Sheriff Juan Ruiz succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous night while assisting another deputy outside of a dance hall in Derry.
The other deputy was attempting to intervene in a brawl when he was attacked. His gun and badge were taken him from him. As Deputy Ruiz came to his assistance he was also attacked and then fatally shot.
Three men were arrested and charged with murder.
Three subjects were arrested and charged in connection with Deputy Ruiz's murder.