Deputy Sheriff Joseph Estopinal, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana

Deputy Sheriff Joseph Estopinal

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana

End of Watch Tuesday, April 17, 1923

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Joseph Estopinal

Deputy Sheriff Joseph Estopinal and Deputy Sheriff August Esteves were killed while attempting to stop bootleggers.

They had positioned themselves at each end of the Lake Borgne Canal Bridge, near Violet, when Deputy Estopinal stopped a truck hauling illegal liquor. The driver exited the truck and shot Deputy Estopinal and at the same time Deputy Esteves was hit in the back with a load of buckshot at the other end of the bridge. The suspects escaped in a car that pulled up behind the truck.

Nine men were arrested and charged in connection with the murders. Deputy Estopinal's killer was convicted of his murder and sentenced to life. He received an additional 18 to 20 years for manslaughter resulting from his involvement in the murder of Deputy Esteves. On October 7th, 1930, he was pardoned by Governor Huey P. Long. On July 13th, 1933, he was shot and killed by his girlfriend.

Deputy Esteves' killer was acquitted even though he confessed to another deputy that he killed Deputy Esteves. On January 16th, 1933, he was charged with murder after he shot and killed a local cafe owner in his establishment in St. Bernard Parish.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Pistol
Offender Sentenced to 20 years

prohibition

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Most Recent Reflection

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Great Uncle Joseph and your partner Deputy August Esteeves this April will be 95 years you were taken away but. After 70 years we got you both on wall in DC . Great uncle Sheriff Albert Estopinal Jr. I went into the morge of nopd records the basement to get reports was going to write book about moonshiners killing you both but I was warned against it. I know truth but can't say.
Please watch over the Estopinal and Serpas
I only seen your photo in black and white in your coffin. But not a day goes by that I don't think of August and you. Now a thrid Deputy Sheriff Samuel D. Gowland 1926 you three watch over your brothers and sisters on department this Easter weekend.
One day I get to DC and see you on that wall but at lake lawn cemetery there walls of Memorial names and you and August or on it. Daddy please give them my love with ggg aunt Lelia & Albert Estopinal and gg uncle Ralph and Lelia Serpas.
I miss you all but those lost in line of duty in St Bernard Parish Sheriff Dept watch over every shift this Easter weekend.
Love forever Dee

Dee Dee Serpas. Retired
Kenner Police department Retired

March 30, 2018