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Incident
Lieutenant Danny Elkins and Sergeant Michael Crowe of the Arizona Department of Public Safety were shot and killed after they and a third officer went to their headquarters to check on paperwork in reference to missing evidence. All three officers were unarmed. While in the building, the suspect shot and killed Sergeant Crowe and Lieutenant Elkins. The third officer escaped unharmed and summoned backup. A Yuma County deputy was charged with both murders. Sergeant Crowe and Lieutenant Elkins were the suspect's immediate supervisors in the Southwest Border Alliance. On April 30th, 1997, the suspect was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years. He died in prison in 2017. Lieutenant Elkins had served with the Yuma Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
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.
Lieutenant Elkins gave the Yuma Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Yuma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Elkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Yuma Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Danny is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Danny is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Danny 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 1995, 5 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1995, 96 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1995, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Danny was 42. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Danny had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Danny was 42. 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. Danny had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Danny was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Danny had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Tuesdays: 15.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Yuma Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 28.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Yuma Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Danny among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Yuma Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
