Patrolman Nash Phillip Garcia

Nash Phillip Garcia

Patrolman Nash Garcia was shot and killed after being lured into a pursuit on U.S. 66 in the Acoma Indian Reservation 18 miles east of Grants, New Mexico.

The two suspects had prior dealings with Patrolman Garcia and intentionally violated several traffic laws in order to have Patrolman Garcia attempt to follow them. During the pursuit, the suspects drove onto a dirt road in a mountainous area on Sandstone Mesa. The pursuit continued for approximately 19 miles until the brothers set up an ambush. As Patrolman Garcia came around a bend, he was fatally shot by one of the brothers with a rifle.

When his patrol car came to a stop, the suspects dragged him out of it and beat him with the rifle butt until it broke. They then drove his car into a patch of trees. They returned the next night and lit the vehicle on fire.

After a witness came forward, the suspects were apprehended and told officers where they hid Patrolman Garcia's body. The suspects, brothers 28 and 31, were sentenced to death. In 1953 they were granted new trials, convicted of first degree murder, and sentenced to life.

Patrolman Garcia had been in law enforcement for ten years. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.

He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Albuquerque, New Mexico.