Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona
End of Watch Friday, February 5, 1971
Add to My HeroesJames L. Keeton
Officer James Keeton was shot and killed during a traffic stop on I-40, 12 miles west of the New Mexico border.
A struggle ensued and the suspect gained control of his weapon and shot him with it. Minutes later Officer Don Beckstead stopped the man for another traffic violation. It is believed that Officer Beckstead did not know that the man had just shot and killed Officer Keeton.
During that traffic stop, the suspect also shot and killed Officer Beckstead. The man was wanted for murdering a young girl in California. After shooting both officers the man murdered another citizen before being shot and killed by members of the New Mexico State Police.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour Not available
- Badge 310
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsOfficer Keeton,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arizona. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
February 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024