U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Bruce Leonard VanderJagt
1997
Bruce VanderJagt served the U.S. Marine Corps for 2 years. Bruce served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Police Officer Bruce VanderJagt was shot and killed while assisting another agency in an attempt to apprehend burglary suspects whom they had chased into Denver during a 30 mile pursuit. As Officer VanderJagt was approaching the apartment, in the 3300 block of South Monaco Parkway, the suspect opened fire on him with a fully automatic SKS rifle. He was struck several times in the head and torso. He was pronounced dead at 3:58 pm at Denver Medical Health Center. The suspect was found dead at approximately 4:30 pm from a self-inflicted gunshot wound from Officer VanderJagt's weapon. The initial suspect who committed the burglary, which eventually led to Officer VanderJagt's murder, was sentenced to life in prison for her role but was later released to a halfway house. Officer VanderJagt had served with the Denver Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two-year-old daughter.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
1969 – 1971
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Denver Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnhbp4ckccheb57gk3tc
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Bruce. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Bruce.
Leave a Tribute