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Incident
Chief Deputy Rufus Dunnahoo was shot and killed while investigating the theft of car parts.
Chief Deputy Dunnahoo, accompanied by the sheriff and a deputy, were searching a house near Dexter when a male produced a .380 caliber handgun.
As the chief and the sheriff struggled to disarm the male, the male fired a shot, striking Chief Deputy Dunnahoo in the neck.
The suspect was apprehended after a short foot chase. He was initially convicted of murdering Chief Deputy Dunnahoo and sentenced from 40 to 90 years in prison. He won a second trial on appeal and was sentenced to only 5 years for manslaughter.
Chief Deputy Dunnahoo had served with the Chaves County Sheriff's Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Chief Deputy Dunnahoo gave the Chaves County Sheriff's Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Roswell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Dunnahoo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chaves County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Rufus is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Rufus is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Rufus is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Rufus was 51. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Rufus had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Rufus was 51. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Rufus had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Rufus was 51. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Rufus had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 11.4% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Sundays: 15.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Chaves County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Chaves County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Rufus among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Chaves County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
