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Incident
In the 1890s the area along the Rio Grande River separating Texas and Mexico in Presidio County was called the “Bloody Peninsula.” The name came from the bloodshed that was caused by outlaws and marauding bandits from Mexico. Deputy Sheriff Simon L. de Leon was shot and killed by Nermin Lujan in El Polvo (present day Redford). Lujan fled to Mexico and was arrested at Presidio del Norte, Mexico. The newspaper reported that Lujan was given a preliminary trial and will be remitted to Chihuahua for final trial. It also speculated he would probably be placed in the army and sent to the Yucatan. Deputy de Leon’s death was alleged to have been the result of revenge for having aided the peaceable American citizens in carrying out the law. It was reported the gang had sworn to kill the peace officers of El Polvo.
Simon L. de Leon was elected constable for Precinct 3 in Presidio, Presidio County, on November 4, 1890. There is a notation that he resigned before assuming office. He became a deputy sheriff under Sheriff S.R. Miller. There is no personal information known at this time about him.
Several weeks later on August 14, 1891, Presidio County Deputy Sheriff Toribio Pastrano was shot and killed in El Polvo when he attempted to arrest Antonio Carrasco for the murder of Texas Ranger Sergeant Charles Fusselman on April 17, 1890.
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Tributes
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff de Leon served with the Presidio County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Marfa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Presidio County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Simon is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Simon is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Simon 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 1891, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1891, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1891, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Simon was 26. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Simon was 26. 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.
Simon was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Presidio County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was not available, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 0.5% 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 not available, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Presidio County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Simon among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Presidio County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
