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Incident
Marshal Stitt was shot and killed after responding to a home where a man was drunk and creating a disturbance. As the marshal approached the man came out of the home and fell down. The marshal identified himself, and as he was helping the man up, the man shot him in the heart, killing him. The suspect, 59, was taken into custody by neighbors. He was convicted of murdering Marshal Stitt and sentenced to life in prison. In 1970 he was awarded a new trial after a complaint was filed stating he was denied due process and received improper representation. On April 17, 1970, the judge in his case dismissed the murder charge and ordered that he be immediately released, stating his decision was based on his poor health and he had committed no infractions in prison. Marshal Stitt had been appointed night marshal only 6 weeks earlier.
Survivors
He was survived by his ten children.
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.
Marshal Stitt served with the Paonia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Paonia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Stitt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Paonia Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1952, 3 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 55. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. John had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 55. 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. John had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.3% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Saturdays: 13.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Paonia Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.5% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Paonia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.