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Incident
Sheriff Smith was shot and killed by a crazed drunk man. Sheriff Smith responded to the suspect's home after he had fired at a civilian from his porch. As Sheriff Smith pushed open the door of the suspect's home the suspect opened fire killing Sheriff Smith. The 27-year-old suspect was later arrested after a standoff with other officers. On March 28, 1908, the suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 99 years. He was paroled on April 19, 1917.
Survivors
Sheriff Smith was survived by two sisters and one brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Smith served with the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Silver City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Grant County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1907, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 27. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37.
Charles was 27. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Charles was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 13% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Mondays: 11.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Grant County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 17.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Grant County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Grant County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
