Special Officer Henry Clyde Hatcher

Special Officer Henry Clyde Hatcher

Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Wednesday, September 23, 1931

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Henry Clyde Hatcher

Special Officer Henry Hatcher succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day when he attempted to question a trespasser in the rail yards at Tucumcari, New Mexico.

The man suddenly drew a handgun and shot Officer Hatcher in the chest, inflicting a fatal wound. He was taken to a hospital in El Paso, Texas where he died the next day.

Two men, ages 22 and 26, were arrested a week later in El Centro, California. Both were identified by two men who saw them throw a pistol from a train box car near Vaughn, New Mexico, a few hours after Officer Hatcher was shot. Ballistics proved the pistol was the murder weapon. Both were convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to 35 to 40 years on November 12, 1931. Both were from Massachusetts and served time there for breaking and entering. On November 18, 1938, one was pardoned by Governor Clyde Tingley.

Officer Hatcher was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location New Mexico
  • Incident Date Tuesday, September 22, 1931
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to 40 years

trespasser

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Hatcher,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Army in Europe fighting the Germans during WW I as a member of the 3rd “Marne” Division.

“Rock Of The Marne!”

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 23, 2021

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