U.S. Army · United States 
James Speer
1998
James Leonard Speer served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Chief of Police James Speer was shot and killed after responding to a call at an equipment yard on the outskirts of Calipatria, a tiny town in Imperial County. Chief of Police Speer was found dead along with the mother of the suspect. The suspect had managed to gain control of Chief Speer's weapon and shot him in the chest. The man fled across the United States - Mexico border, where he was apprehended by Mexican authorities. He was returned to the United States, convicted of both murders and sentenced to death. Chief Speer was a United States Army National Guard veteran who had served as chief of the Calipatria Police Department for 10 years and had previously served with the Brawley Police Department, Calexico Police Department, and Imperial County Sheriff's Department. He had a total of 40 years of law enforcement service.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and grandchildren.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Calipatria Police Department
Chief of Police
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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