Deputy Sheriff Francisco Garcia

Francisco Garcia

Deputy Francisco Garcia was shot and killed when he encountered a murder suspect on a ranch just south of Trinchera, Colorado. The man was wanted for the murder of his 18 year-old girlfriend in Las Animas County.

Deputy Garcia had traveled to the ranch on other business, not realizing that the suspect was there. When they encountered each other the suspect warned the unarmed deputy to leave or he would kill him.

Deputy Garcia went to adjoining dining room where he ate his dinner. When Deputy Garcia came out of the room the suspect fired at him, shooting through his hat. The two began to struggle and Deputy Garcia sustained a fatal gunshot wound.

Other ranchers subdued the suspect and held him until another deputy arrived. He was taken to Raton, New Mexico, where he was convicted of murdering Deputy Garcia and hanged.

The suspect was eventually apprehended and hanged at Raton, May 26, 1906.