Operative Joseph A. Walker

Joseph A. Walker

Operative Joseph Walker was shot and killed while he, another agent, and two Department of Interior engineers investigated a case of land fraud in a mine shaft at the Hesperus mine, west of Durango, Colorado.

While the other three men were inside of a mine, Operative Walker was shot in the back with a rifle. Two suspects were arrested but were acquitted by a jury who feared retribution against them.

Operative Walker was the first Special Agent in Charge of the Denver office and had previously served on President Grover Cleveland's protective detail. He had served with the United States Secret Service for 19 years. He was survived by his wife.