Game Warden Walter K. Krukow

Game Warden Walter K. Krukow

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California

End of Watch Sunday, April 20, 1947

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Walter K. Krukow

Game Warden Walter Krukow was shot and killed from ambush by a 17-year-old boy who was trout fishing on Boulder Creek north of Whiskeytown.

The boy and a friend had gone to the area to trout fish before the season opened. The man dropped the boy off and then drove further up the creek to another spot. Game Warden Krukow gave the boy a warning and told him he was going to find the friend as well.

The boy walked back to man's home, retrieved a .30-06 rifle, and then drove back to the creek. He located Game Warden Krukow and shot him from ambush as he walked along the creek. When he rejoined the man he told him that he had shot Game Warden Krukow so he would not arrest him. The man drove the boy to the sheriff's office and turned him in.

On June 2, 1947, the boy was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. He was to stay at the Lancaster State Reformatory until he was 25, and then to be transferred to an adult prison. He was paroled in July of 1948. On December 12th, 1972, he was booked in Washoe County, Nevada, for an investigation of three counts of arson.

Game Warden Krukow had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; .30-.06
  • Offender Paroled in 1948

juvenile offender, poacher, ambush

Most Recent Reflection

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Warden Krukow,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 20, 2022

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