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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Damacio Montano was shot and killed when he and his brother, a New Mexico State Police officer, helped break up a fight at a Los Lunas restaurant at approximately 1:30 am.
Both brothers were off duty when the fight broke out in the restaurant at the intersection of Valencia Road and Route 47. They identified themselves as police officers and assisted the bouncers who took the two female suspects outside. They were standing outside when a man got out of a vehicle and opened fire with a handgun. Deputy Montano was fatally wounded and his brother was wounded in the hip. All three suspects, who were known gang members, were arrested in connection with Deputy Montano's murder.
On August 12th, 2003, the shooter was convicted of murdering Deputy Montano and of attempted murder of Deputy Montano's brother. He was sentenced to life plus 13 years.
Deputy Montano had served the Valencia County Sheriff's Office for 10 months. He had previously served with the Santa Rosa Police Department, Western New Mexico University Police Department, and Artesia Police Department for 16 additional months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
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 Montano gave the Valencia County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Los Lunas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Montano.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Valencia County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Damacio is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Damacio is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Damacio 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 2002, 1 officer at Valencia County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 2.
In 2002, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2002, 78 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Damacio was 31. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Valencia County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 32.5 and 39; the middle age was 35. Damacio had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 2.2 years.
Damacio was 31. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Damacio had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Damacio was 31. 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. Damacio had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Damacio was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Damacio had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 20% of these deaths at Valencia County Sheriff's Office; May holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 40%.
October holds 4.9% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Sundays: 15.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Valencia County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 1.6% 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 handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Valencia County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Damacio among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Valencia County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
