San Miguel County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico
End of Watch Sunday, September 17, 1978
Add to My HeroesJuan Leo Ortiz
Deputy Ortiz was shot and killed in retaliation for killing a suspect who pointed a gun at him three weeks earlier.
Deputy Ortiz was on patrol in the Santa Fe National Forest when he encountered several suspects who were harassing campers. When one of the men pointed a rifle at him he opened fire, killing the suspect. Three weeks later Deputy Ortiz was working on his ranch in Rociada, NM near Maestas Canyon when he was gunned down by a man with a rifle 200 yards away. The suspect fled and was never identified.
Deputy Ortiz was due to resign from the department the following day. He is survived by his wife, four children, his sister, and other family members.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour Not available
- Badge 16
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .300 caliber
- Offender Never apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Ortiz,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Miguel County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 17, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths
Commander Greg Carnicle
Phoenix Police Department, AZ
EOW: March 29, 2020
Trooper Nolan J. Sanders
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 27, 2020
Sergeant Ben Jenkins
Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: March 27, 2020
Trooper Justin R. Schaffer
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 24, 2020
Police Officer Kaia Grant
Springdale Police Department, OH
EOW: March 21, 2020
Senior Deputy Christopher Scott Korzilius
Travis County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: March 18, 2020
Deputy Sheriff Kenterrous Taylor
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: March 18, 2020
Police Officer Christopher Ryan Walsh
Springfield Police Department, MO
EOW: March 16, 2020
Sergeant James R. O'Connor, IV
Philadelphia Police Department, PA
EOW: March 13, 2020