On a Tuesday in the summer of 1911, a family disturbance in Rocky Ford, Colorado, turned deadly for two local law enforcement officers. Night Marshal Jacob A. 'Jake' Kipper, a 41-year-old male, and Marshal Jesse Craig were dispatched to the scene to arrest a man involved in the dispute. As they attempted to take the man into custody, his family members began to fight with the officers, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation.
In the ensuing struggle, the suspect managed to gain control of Marshal Craig's handgun. He then fired the weapon, fatally shooting both Marshal Kipper and Marshal Craig. The gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting, sparking a manhunt. Two days later, the mayor and the acting city marshal located and arrested the suspect.
The man responsible for the deaths of the two officers was initially sentenced to death for his crimes. However, this sentence was later commuted to life in prison. In a turn of events, the suspect was granted a new trial in 1914 and was acquitted of both murders. Despite this, his freedom was short-lived. In 1916, he was convicted of another murder and sentenced to life in prison. Night Marshal Kipper had served with the Rocky Ford Police Department for two years and was survived by his wife and two sons.
