U.S. Air Force · United States 
James Monroe Vigil
1973
James Monroe Vigil served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. James served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Lieutenant James Vigil was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding on U.S. Route 54. Unbeknownst to Lieutenant Vigil, the suspect had just shot his 16-year-old wife in Kansas and was fleeing to Mexico. As Lieutenant Vigil approached the car during the traffic stop, the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking him twice. Lieutenant Vigil was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. Although wounded, the suspect walked to Lieutenant Vigil, took his gun, and shot him twice more. The suspect then took the gun and fled but was found later after committing suicide. Lieutenant Vigil had been with the Alamogordo Police Department for over six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1962 – 1966
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Alamogordo Police Department
Lieutenant
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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