Deputy Sheriff Damacio S. Montano

Deputy Sheriff Damacio S. Montano

Valencia County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico

End of Watch Sunday, October 6, 2002

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Damacio S. Montano

Deputy Sheriff Damacio Montano was shot and killed when he and his brother, a New Mexico State Police officer, helped break up a fight at a Los Lunas restaurant at approximately 1:30 am.

Both brothers were off duty when the fight broke out in the restaurant at the intersection of Valencia Road and Route 47. They identified themselves as police officers and assisted the bouncers who took the two female suspects outside. They were standing outside when a man got out of a vehicle and opened fire with a handgun. Deputy Montano was fatally wounded and his brother was wounded in the hip. All three suspects, who were known gang members, were arrested in connection with Deputy Montano's murder.

On August 12th, 2003, the shooter was convicted of murdering Deputy Montano and of attempted murder of Deputy Montano's brother. He was sentenced to life plus 13 years.

Deputy Montano had served the Valencia County Sheriff's Office for 10 months. He had previously served with the Santa Rosa Police Department, Western New Mexico University Police Department, and Artesia Police Department for 16 additional months. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 2 years, 2 months
  • Badge 36

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .380 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

gang member, off duty

Most Recent Reflection

View all 93 Reflections

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Although I was a Reserve Deputy at the time, you trained me. Your voice still telling me 24 years later. "Always be ready, always play the what if game". I also refuse to let anyone forget you. keep watching over us brother. Till we meet again.

Robert Felix Jr.
Former Reserve Deputy/He was my FTO.

July 27, 2022

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