Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff J.M. Clifton was shot and killed near Crossroads after stopping a vehicle suspected of being used in a robbery in Lovington. During the stop, one of the men produced a handgun. Deputy Clifton was able to disarm the man, but while the two struggled, a second man exited the car and shot him three times. Despite his wounds, he was able to return fire and kill both men. Deputy Clifton drove himself to a nearby school and was then taken to a doctor's office, but died later that night.
Survivors
Deputy Clifton was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-E99032E9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Clifton served with the Lea County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lovington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clifton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff J. M. Clifton is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In NM, 123 of 193 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.7% of this state's fallen. That is 63.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Lea County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. M. Clifton's cause is highlighted.
How J. M. Clifton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. M. Clifton is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. M. Clifton was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lea County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
