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Incident
Night Marshal Jose Gonzales was stabbed to death by a drunk man whom he and a deputy marshal had attempted to take home. The man had been creating a disturbance in a bar across the street from the courthouse. Rather than arrest him, the marshals took him home. However, the man obtained a large knife and returned to the bar. As the marshals attempted to take him home again he pulled out the knife and stabbed Marshal Gonzales in the neck, severing his jugular. The subject fled but was arrested by the county sheriff at the railroad depot a short time later. The man was sentenced to 99 years in prison but was released after serving only 10 years because he developed cancer. He died shortly after being released.
Survivors
Marshal Gonzales had served in law enforcement for nine years, including serving four years as the sheriff of Guadalupe CountyHe was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Night Marshal Gonzales gave the Santa Rosa Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Santa Rosa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Gonzales.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jose is the only officer of Santa Rosa Police Department remembered here.
Jose is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Jose is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jose 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 1949, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jose was 48. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Jose had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jose was 48. 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. Jose had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jose was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jose had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 14.6% of these deaths in NM, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Santa Rosa Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, 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 edged weapon, in 4.1% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Santa Rosa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.