Sheriff William L. Rutherford, Otero County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

Sheriff William L. Rutherford

Otero County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Tuesday, February 13, 1923

William L. Rutherford

Sheriff William Rutherford was shot and killed while investigating two men who matched the description of prisoners who had just escaped from a neighboring county. Sheriff Rutherford approached the car and asked the men if he could search it. As the men tried to pull away the sheriff jumped on the running board. One of the men inside then shot him with a 30-30 rifle that had been stolen from the deputies in the previous escape.

The men were eventually apprehended and sentenced to death but later had their sentenced commuted and then pardoned by the Governor.

Sheriff Rutherford had only served with the Otero County Sheriff's Department for six weeks.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 1 month, 2 weeks
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
Offender Pardoned by the Governor

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 89th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 13, 2012