Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Marshal Jake Kipper and Marshal Jesse Craig were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man at the scene of a family disturbance. As they attempted to arrest the man his family started fighting with the officers. The subject was able to gain control of Marshal Craig's pistol and fatally shot both officers.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested two days later by the mayor and acting city marshal. He was sentenced to death, but the sentence was later commuted to life. In 1914 he received a new trial and was acquitted of both murders. In 1916 he was convicted of another murder and sentenced to life.
Night Marshal Kipper had served with the agency for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons and is buried in Valley View Cemetery, Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-FBCB4C3A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Marshal Kipper gave the Rocky Ford Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rocky Ford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Kipper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Marshal Jacob A. "Jake" Kipper is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 11.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Rocky Ford Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jacob A. "Jake" Kipper's cause is highlighted.
How Jacob A. "Jake" Kipper Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jacob A. "Jake" Kipper is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jacob A. "Jake" Kipper was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Rocky Ford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
