Delta County Sheriff's Office, Colorado
End of Watch Saturday, October 18, 1924
Add to My HeroesWillis A. Davis
Sheriff Willis Davis was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a man for stealing a horse harness at a logging camp outside of Leadville, Colorado.
The wanted man, who whom Sheriff Davis had known since the man was a young boy, asked if he could get his sweater. He suddenly produced a .45 caliber pistol and opened fire on Sheriff Davis, striking him once in the side.
Sheriff Davis returned fire but did not strike the man. The subject surrendered after Sheriff David returned fire. Sheriff Davis succumbed to his wound two days later.
The subject was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison, but paroled after serving less than five years.
Davis was survived by his wife and seven children.
Bio
- Age 50
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Thursday, October 16, 1924
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Paroled after 4 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsSheriff Davis,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Delta County.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
October 18, 2024
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