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Incident
Deputy Ortiz was shot and killed in retaliation for killing a suspect who pointed a gun at him three weeks earlier. Deputy Ortiz was on patrol in the Santa Fe National Forest when he encountered several suspects who were harassing campers. When one of the men pointed a rifle at him he opened fire, killing the suspect. Three weeks later Deputy Ortiz was working on his ranch in Rociada, NM near Maestas Canyon when he was gunned down by a man with a rifle 200 yards away. The suspect fled and was never identified. Deputy Ortiz was due to resign from the department the following day.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four children, his sister, and other family members.
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 Ortiz served with the San Miguel County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Las Vegas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ortiz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Miguel County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Juan is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Juan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Juan 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 1978, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Juan was 33. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37.
Juan was 33. 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.
Juan was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 4.1% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Sundays: 15.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at San Miguel County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 13% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
San Miguel County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Juan among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from San Miguel County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.