Deputy Sheriff Leopoldo Cesilo Gurule of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 7, 1980, while responding to a domestic dispute. The incident occurred when Deputy Gurule arrived at the scene, where a woman rushed to his patrol car and alerted him that her husband was armed with a rifle and intended to harm him.
Despite this warning, as Deputy Gurule attempted to back out of the parking spot, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him with a. 308 caliber rifle.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Deputy Gurule managed to call for backup before succumbing to his injuries. Responding officers found him next to his patrol car and discovered the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This swift and tragic sequence of events highlighted the dangers and sacrifices law enforcement officers face in their daily duties.
There were no arrests made in this case since the suspect took his own life at the scene. The incident was resolved with the death of the perpetrator, eliminating the need for any further legal proceedings or arrests related to Deputy Gurule's murder.
Deputy Gurule had a distinguished career, having served with the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department for six years. Prior to his service in Santa Fe, he had also served with the Santa Fe Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. His dedication and service to the community were recognized posthumously, with a city park and a new detention center named in his honor. He is survived by his wife and three children, and his memory continues to be honored by his colleagues and the community he protected.
