Lieutenant Joseph Ralph Silva, New Mexico Corrections Department, New Mexico

Lieutenant Joseph Ralph Silva

New Mexico Corrections Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Friday, April 3, 1987

Joseph Ralph Silva

Lieutenant Joseph Silva was killed when he was assaulted by a prisoner whom he had written a disciplinary report on for possessing a shank. After the prisoner was found guilty by a review board he asked to speak with Lieutenant Silva in his office. Other officers were alerted to a problem when Lieutenant Silva pressed the emergency button on his radio and found him bleeding from the head and a two-by-four on the floor nearby.

The prisoner was convicted of the murder and had 18 months added to his two life sentences.

Lieutenant Silva had served with the New Mexico Corrections Department for four years but had been in law enforcement with several agencies before hand. He was survived by his two sons.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Blunt object; Lumber
Offender Added 18 months to 2 life sentences

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you, or working with you. . . But I did have the pleasure of escorting your wife across the stage of the New Mexico Fallen Officers Ceremony in 2014 as she placed a rose on the Fallen Officer's Bade in your memory. . . I have been with Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility (SNMCF) for almost 7 1/2 years. . . And every time we walk in to the JSU Facility, which was named after you in your memory. . . You are remembered and NEVER forgotten. . . Thank you for your service

Sergeant Joshua Abeyta
SNMCF

September 9, 2017