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Incident
Deputy Antonio Shelby was shot and killed by a drunk man who was creating a disturbance at a local saloon. The deputy has observed the man mistreating his son in front of the saloon and escorted the boy home. When Deputy Shelby returned to the location the man was acting drunk and disorderly.
When Deputy Shelby told him to calm down, the man responded by firing at him. The round struck the deputy in the throat, killing him. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Deputy Shelby had served with the agency for 5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five 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 Shelby gave the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Trinidad community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Shelby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Las Animas County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Antonio is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
Antonio is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Antonio 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 1908, 1 officer at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1896, with 2.
In 1908, 5 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Antonio was 40. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 38.5 and 45.5; the middle age was 40. Antonio had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Antonio was 40. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. Antonio had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Antonio was 40. 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. Antonio had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Antonio was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Antonio had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 42.9% of these deaths at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 28.6%.
April holds 11% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Tuesdays: 13.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Las Animas County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Antonio among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Las Animas County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
