Deputy Sheriff P. J. Lappin

P. J. Lappin

Deputy Sheriff P.J. Lappin was shot and killed in Auraria while attempting to arrest a drunk man who had threatened to kill a local merchant. The man opened fire on Deputy Lappin killing him instantly. The victim of the original threat and another man subdued the subject and handed him over to the county sheriff.

The suspect, 29, was convicted of murder and sent to prison. He was paroled on September 30, 1936.

Deputy Lappin had been sworn in only two days earlier.