Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Joseph Estopinal and Deputy Sheriff August Esteves were killed while attempting to stop bootleggers. They had positioned themselves at each end of the Lake Borgne Canal Bridge, near Violet, when Deputy Estopinal stopped a truck hauling illegal liquor. The driver exited the truck and shot Deputy Estopinal, and at the same time, Deputy Esteves was hit in the back with a load of buckshot at the other end of the bridge. The suspects escaped in a car that pulled up behind the truck. Nine men were arrested and charged in connection with the murders. Deputy Estopinal's killer was convicted of his murder and sentenced to life. He received an additional 18 to 20 years for manslaughter resulting from his involvement in the murder of Deputy Esteves. On October 7th, 1930, he was pardoned by Governor Huey P. Long. On July 13th, 1933, he was shot and killed by his girlfriend. Deputy Esteves' killer was acquitted even though he confessed to another deputy that he killed Deputy Esteves. On January 16th, 1933, he was charged with murder after he shot and killed a local cafe owner in his establishment in St. Bernard Parish. Deputy Estopinal was survived by his wife. He is buried at Saint Bernard Catholic Cemetery in Kenilworth, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
Survivors
Deputy Estopinal was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-LA-5DA8C8B9- Stewardship
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Estopinal served with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Chalmette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Estopinal.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Joseph Estopinal 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, 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. Joseph Estopinal's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Estopinal Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 20 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Estopinal is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Estopinal was killed by handgun; pistol.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
