Marshal John Armour Stitt, Paonia Police Department, Colorado

Marshal John Armour Stitt

Paonia Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Saturday, September 27, 1952

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John Armour Stitt

Marshal Stitt was shot and killed after responding to a home where a man was drunk and creating a disturbance. As the marshal approached the man came out of the home and fell down. The marshal identified himself, and as he was helping the man up, the man shot him in the heart, killing him.

The suspect, 59, was taken into custody by neighbors. He was convicted of murdering Marshal Stitt and sentenced to life in prison. In 1970 he was awarded a new trial after a complaint was filed stating he was denied due process and received improper representation. On April 17, 1970, the judge in his case dismissed the murder charge and ordered that he be immediately released, stating his decision was based on his poor health and he had committed no infractions in prison.

Marshal Stitt had been appointed night marshal only 6 weeks earlier. He was survived by his ten children.

Bio

Age 55
Tour 1 month, 2 weeks
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Released in 1970

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I am John Sandoval Sr, a grandson of Marshall John Stitt. My mother was Ruthy Stitt. I am the oldest of the 7 children. I have often reflected on my grandpa and him as a police officer. What his duties were and what it would have be like, to have walked beside him as a little kid. You are missed but always in my thoughts when I reminess on my families past. Rest in peace grandpa.

John M Sandoval Sr.
Grandson

October 25, 2021