Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, Utah
End of Watch Saturday, March 10, 1973
Add to My HeroesMelvin 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 25 ReflectionsDeputy 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
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