Chaves County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico
End of Watch Sunday, August 2, 1931
Add to My HeroesRufus Dunnahoo
Chief Deputy Rufus Dunnahoo was shot and killed while investigating the theft of car parts.
Chief Deputy Dunnahoo, accompanied by the sheriff and a deputy, were searching a house near Dexter when a male produced a .380 caliber handgun.
As the chief and the sheriff struggled to disarm the male, the male fired a shot, striking Chief Deputy Dunnahoo in the neck.
The suspect was apprehended after a short foot chase. He was initially convicted of murdering Chief Deputy Dunnahoo and sentenced from 40 to 90 years in prison. He won a second trial on appeal and was sentenced to only 5 years for manslaughter.
Chief Deputy Dunnahoo had served with the Chaves County Sheriff's Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .380 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to 5 years
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