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Incident
Marshal Pena was shot and killed while questioning a drunk man at a local bar after receiving reports that the man had displayed a gun. The suspect left the bar and went into the street with Marshal Pena without causing any problems. However, after they were in the street, the man produced a .32 caliber revolver and shot Marshal Pena in the chest. The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to three life sentences without parole but was released after only 14 years. Marshal Pena was a veteran of WWI and had served with the Taos Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven 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.
Village Marshal Pena gave the Taos Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Taos community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Village Marshal Pena.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lee is the only officer of Taos Police Department remembered here.
Lee is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
Lee is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lee is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1944, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1944, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1944, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lee was 49. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. Lee had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lee was 49. 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. Lee had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lee was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lee had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 3.3% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Wednesdays: 17.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Taos Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 17.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Taos Police Department are honored on badge.nw.