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Incident
Deputy Sheriff J.M. Clifton was shot and killed near Crossroads after stopping a vehicle suspected of being used in a robbery in Lovington. During the stop, one of the men produced a handgun. Deputy Clifton was able to disarm the man, but while the two struggled, a second man exited the car and shot him three times. Despite his wounds, he was able to return fire and kill both men. Deputy Clifton drove himself to a nearby school and was then taken to a doctor's office, but died later that night.
Survivors
Deputy Clifton was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Clifton served with the Lea County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lovington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clifton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lea County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
J. was 27. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37.
J. was 27. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
J. was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 14.6% of these deaths in NM, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 17.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Lea County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lea County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, J. among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lea County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
