Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Leopoldo Gurule was shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute. When he arrived at the scene a woman ran to his patrol car and screamed that her husband had a rifle and was going to kill the officer. As he attempted to back out of the parking spot the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him. He was able to call for backup before succumbing to his wounds. Responding officers located Deputy Gurule next to his patrol car and found the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputy Gurule had served with the agency for six years and had previously served with the Santa Fe Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his wife and three children. A city park and a new detention center were named in his honor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-31089971- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Gurule gave the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Santa Fe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gurule.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule 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 Santa Fe 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. Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule's cause is highlighted.
How Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule Compares
Offender Outcome
Comitted suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule was killed by rifle; .308 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.