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Incident
Police Officer Jesus Cordova was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a carjacking suspect in the 2900 block of North Grand Avenue at approximately 2:45 pm.
The subject had carjacked a vehicle in Patagonia and fled from Santa Cruz County deputies into Nogales, where he attempted to carjack another vehicle. Nogales officers had responded to the attempted carjacking and located the suspect inside of a car. As officers attempted a traffic stop, the man exited the vehicle and opened fire on Officer Cordova, who was still in his vehicle. Officer Cordova was struck multiple times.
Officer Cordova was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The man then fled the scene and carjacked a third vehicle. He was located a short time later and taken into custody. The man pleaded guilty to 39 charges, including first-degree murder, in August 2019. A month later he was sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Cordova had served with the Nogales Police Department for one year and had previously served with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his three children and expectant fiancee.
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.
Police Officer Cordova gave the Nogales Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nogales community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Cordova.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nogales Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Jesus is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Jesus is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jesus 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 2018, 2 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 2018, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2018, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jesus was 44. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Jesus had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Jesus was 44. 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. Jesus had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jesus was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jesus had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Fridays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Nogales Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 17.6% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Nogales Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Jesus among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Nogales Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
