Roll of Honor
Incident
Undersheriff Rudy Sanchez was shot and killed after responding to a fight at the Navajo Trail Bar and Cafe at Fort Garland. Fort Garland officers requested assistance from Undersheriff Sanchez on the disturbance at the tavern between band members and the owner around 1:00 a.m. When the argument was moved outside, Undersheriff Sanchez was shot with a .22 caliber pistol. Another police officer was stabbed, and a third officer survived a gunshot wound to his chest. Four suspects fled the scene and were later arrested in New Mexico. One of the suspects was tried but was found not guilty. Deputy Sanchez had served with the Costilla County Sheriff's Office for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-B0E6EF8A- 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
You barely got started.
Undersheriff Sanchez gave the Costilla County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the San Luis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Sanchez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Undersheriff Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez 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 Costilla County Sheriff's Office, 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. Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez's cause is highlighted.
How Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Rudolpho Filberto Sanchez was killed by handgun; .22 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Costilla County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
