Chief Deputy Rufus Dunnahoo

Rufus Dunnahoo

Chief Deputy Rufus Dunnahoo was shot and killed while investigating the theft of car parts.

Chief Deputy Dunnahoo, accompanied by the sheriff and a deputy, were searching a house near Dexter when a male produced a .380 caliber handgun.

As the chief and the sheriff struggled to disarm the male, the male fired a shot, striking Chief Deputy Dunnahoo in the neck.

The suspect was apprehended after a short foot chase. He was initially convicted of murdering Chief Deputy Dunnahoo and sentenced from 40 to 90 years in prison. He won a second trial on appeal and was sentenced to only 5 years for manslaughter.

Chief Deputy Dunnahoo had served with the Chaves County Sheriff's Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.