Deputy Sheriff William Joyce Rainbolt, a 25-year-old law enforcement officer, was tragically killed in the line of duty on February 2, 1901, in Roswell, New Mexico. The incident occurred at a dance in the southwest part of Roswell, where it was illegal to carry guns within the town limits. During the event, Deputy Rainbolt encountered a man who was in violation of this law by carrying a revolver.
When Deputy Rainbolt ordered the man to get into his buggy to be taken to jail, the
situation escalated. The man's brother, who was also at the dance, intervened and attempted to interfere with the arrest. Despite Deputy Rainbolt's refusal to release the prisoner, the brother pulled out a revolver and opened fire, striking Deputy Rainbolt. This violent act resulted in the deputy's immediate death.
The two brothers involved in the incident fled the area and remained at large for two years. The brother who shot Deputy Rainbolt was eventually tracked down and arrested in North Dakota. He was subsequently returned to Chaves County, New Mexico, to face charges of first-degree murder. However, the legal proceedings did not result in a permanent conviction. Initially, he was convicted of third-degree murder, but he successfully appealed this conviction. In a second trial, he was acquitted of the first-degree murder charge and was ultimately freed.
The suspect who shot Deputy Rainbolt was identified as Nath Hendricks, although this name is mentioned in historical context rather than in the primary source detailing the incident. The efforts to apprehend Hendricks were extensive, with Sheriff Higgins making several trips in an attempt to locate him, but these efforts were initially unsuccessful.
Deputy William Joyce Rainbolt had served with the Chaves County Sheriff's Department for two years at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife and son, and his sacrifice is still remembered and honored for his service to the citizens of Chaves County.
