Deputy Sheriff Melvin C. Colebrook, Jr., Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Utah

Deputy Sheriff Melvin C. Colebrook, Jr.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Utah

End of Watch Saturday, March 10, 1973

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Melvin C. Colebrook, Jr.

Deputy Melvin Colebrook was shot and killed with his partner's weapon after the two officers responded to a domestic disturbance in an affluent part of the Valley.

The subject was found holding his child in an upstairs room. After the child was removed, the subject began to fight with the deputies. During the struggle the man obtained control of Deputy Colebrook's partner's weapon and shot Deputy Colebrook in the head. The partner was able to overpower the suspect and place him in custody.

The suspect, who was a bank vice president, was released the next day on extremely low bail. During a highly publicized trial the suspect was acquitted of murdering Deputy Colebrook.

Deputy Sheriff Melvin Colebrook was a United States Army Korean War veteran and had served with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office for 1 year. He is survived by a wife and three children.

He is buried in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 1 year
Badge 100
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Acquitted

domestic

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Deputy Sheriff Colebrook,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 10, 2023