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Incident
Deputy James Carlysle was shot and killed after leading a posse to capture the notorious Billy the Kid and his gang. After the gang had fired shots another deputy, Deputy Carlysle lead a posse on a 40 mile chase. Deputy Carlysle entered the saloon where Billy the Kid and his gang were hiding to talk with them. In exchange one of Billy the Kid's gang was taken hostage by Deputy Carlysle's posse. After Deputy Carlysle did not return the posse threatened to kill their hostage if Deputy Carlysle was not returned. A shot was fired and Deputy Carlysle, thinking the posse had just killed their hostage, jumped from the window of the saloon, only to be shot by members of his own posse who mistook him for one of the outlaws. Billy the Kid was later shot and killed. The outlaw gang was responsible for the murders of several other law enforcement officers over the course of several years.
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
146 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Carlysle served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Carrizozo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 59 officers lost to accidents in NM, 30.6% of the 193 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1880, 1 officer in NM was lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 40 years on record. The heaviest was 1960, with 4.
In 1880, 3 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 150th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1880, 11 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 150th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 20. Of the 57 lost to accidents in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44; the middle age was 35.
James was 20. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
James was 20. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in NM; August holds the most, 18.6%. Saturdays: 15.3%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 11.1% of all 9 deaths at Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.6% of all 193 deaths in NM, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
