Deputy Sheriff J. M. Clifton

J. M. Clifton

Deputy J. M. Clifton was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle suspected of being used in a robbery in Lovington. During the stop one of the men produced a handgun. Deputy Clifton was able to disarm the man, but while the two struggled, a second suspect exited the car and shot Deputy Clifton. He was able to return fire and kill both suspects. Deputy Clifton drove himself to a nearby school and was then taken to a doctor's office, but died later that night.

Deputy Clifton was survived by his wife.