Monterey County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Saturday, November 10, 1855
Add to My HeroesJoaquin De La Torre
Deputy Sheriff Joaquin De La Torre, Deputy Sheriff Charles Layton, and Deputy Sheriff Jim Beckwith were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for murdering two other people.
They were members of a posse organized by the sheriff that had gone to the man's shack along the Salinas River south of Rancho El Tucho (Rancho Las Salinas). A woman came to the back door and told Deputy De La Torre that the suspect was not there. The man suddenly emerged from inside and fatally shot Deputy De La Torre before shooting Deputy Layton and Deputy Beckwith.
The man fled on Deputy Beckwith's horse but was later captured by a mob and lynched.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Lynched
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsJoaquin:
Thanks for your sacrifice and bravery that faithful day. Your service to the citizens of Monterey County is appreciated. Monterey County is a beautiful place--I visit there often. You are not forgotten.
Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS
November 10, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Patrol Deputy Antonio Aleman
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, NM
EOW: July 8, 2025

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025