Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Marshal John Jones was shot and killed while attempting to arrest men who were causing a disturbance inside a saloon.
Around 11:30 p.m., Watchman Jones responded to reports of loud and drunk men at the saloon. While attempting to place a few of the men under arrest, a man returned to the saloon and fired his gun, striking Watchman Jones in the head. He died around 3:00 a.m.
The men fled, but were apprehended. The shooter was transported to Las Vegas when men attempted to break him out of the Colfax County Jail and lynch him. He was sentenced to 99 years.
Night Marshal Jones was appointed night marshal in April 1903.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-5F513CF2- 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 Jones served with the Raton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Raton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Marshal John E. Jones 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 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 9.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Raton Police Department, 2 of 2 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. John E. Jones's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Jones Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 99 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Jones is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Jones was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Raton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
