Officer John Arthur Carrillo

Officer John Arthur Carrillo

Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Sunday, February 22, 1987

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John Arthur Carrillo

Officer John Carrillo was shot and killed while he and another officer were investigating a domestic dispute at 4613 Hilltop Place NE in Albuquerque.

The officers responded to a residence in an affluent neighborhood after receiving a call from a woman who claimed she had been beaten. The man invited them to look around after saying no woman was in the home.

After following the man upstairs, he suddenly grabbed a briefcase that contained a handgun and opened fire on the officers, striking Officer Carrillo, who was not wearing a vest, in the chest. The other officer on the scene pulled Officer Carrillo out of the line of fire while returning fire. He later received the Medal of Valor for his bravery.

The suspect, a physicist at Sandia National Laboratories, was arrested and charged with murder and several counts of attempted murder. He was found guilty after two trials and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Carrillo's tape recorder was on and recorded the whole incident, refuting the suspect's defense that he fired on the officers in self-defense. The suspect's appeal for a new trial was denied in 1995.

Officer Carrillo had served with the Albuquerque Police Department for six years. He was survived by his infant son, parents, and six siblings.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 547

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
  • Offender Appeal for new trial denied in 1995

domestic violence

Most Recent Reflection

View all 91 Reflections

Hey John,
I cannot believe it has been over 35 years since your life and service were violently cut short.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was starting my shift by reading the NCIC Police Blotter when I saw the notification of your death. It hit me like a ton of Bricks. I had just seen you in Albuquerque. I was looking forward to riding with you. In the short time that we were acquainted I knew that you were an awesome person and one who I am very proud to have as a friend and Brother.
I miss you very much and in that short time, you left an impression on me that has remained with me my entire life. I attended your funeral representing the Gallup Police Department with Officer Sam Gomez and his wife Nancy.
I was honored to be there. Through the years I have noticed that when someone you love, value and care for becomes a memory, those people and memories become the treasures of my life.
Rest in Paradise my Brother knowing that you continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who Love you.

Paul G. Carrillo,
Patrolman (1984-1990)
Gallup Police Department

September 14, 2022

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