Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Inspector Latham,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Service. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 28, 2024

It is December 12, 2020 and this just aired on Mystery. I’m sure a repeat due to me finding this site. I find it hard to believe that they were able to kidnap Mr. Latham from the Border. What responsibilities or measures did the Border take after this kidnap/murder? I know they say cars are inspected by 2 inspectors but they was short inspectors that day. Was the Border sued? Unfortunate, unthinkable and such a tragedy.

Chase Parker

December 12, 2020

Rest in peace Inspector Latham.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 28, 2020

Dick was a classmate of mine at FLETC for Basic Inspector Training in 1980. He was a great guy.
On May 9, I’m riding in the Police Unity Tour from NJ to Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC for the first time and will be riding in his honor.

Tom Dombrowski
Retired SSA HSI/USCS

April 10, 2019

As I watched this episode of FBI Files, It was so sad to see the the horrendous murder of Officer Latham by 4 lowlife scumbags whom I'm ashamed to call fellow Mexicans. My late father was also a border Patrol agent in Chihuahua Mexico and he died in a car accident in 1978 when I was only 5 years old. My deepest sympathy goes out always to the Latham family on this tragedy although it happened more than 30 years ago. R.I.H. Mr Latham!! As for the daughter of Jesus Reyes Ramirez, I pray that God heals you after learning that your father was involved and later committed suicide. It takes a real woman to apologize on behalf of your father although you were very young when this happened. God bless you Latham family and Irasema and may God bless you and keep you all!

Jesse Munoz
Son of the late Vicente Munoz Ochoa; Border Patrol agent in Chihuahua

January 8, 2019

Officer Richard Latham, R.I.P. You are never forgotten, and although decades have passed and time fills voids, your loss, memory and honor is still present today. Much has changed, life continues, but the faith, service and commitment of the men in blue hold the fort today for all American's. May your memory be graced with thought, understanding and faithful service.

Jeff Fortin, Former Police Commissioner
City of San Bernardino, CA. (1981-82)

July 11, 2018

You left doing the Lord's work but not forgotten.

Deputy Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff Dept.

May 5, 2016

I was on duty with the Border Patrol the day Richard was murdered by a group of scum bags.

Bill White
uSBP

March 1, 2015

Inspector Latham,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Service. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 28, 2015

For 30 years I have been wondering and looking for answers to my fathers death. I am proud daughter of Jesus Reyes Ramirez and have dealt with a broken heart for 30years. I never knew the real story about how my father died. My family always told me he had died in a car accident and it is to my surprise that I find this article which makes perfect sense why they avoided to tell me the truth. For 30 years I have had to deal with people fabricating different stories about my father. I am sure that Mr. Latham's family understands that pain more than anyone. For that I am truly sorry for your loss and all I can do is apologize on my fathers behalf. I know those words probably won't mean anything to your family but I am truly sorry that such action was taken. I have no excuse for their behavior I actually feel disgusted just reading this article. I am embarrassed to know that someone I loved so much could cause harm to another family. I also feel a lot of anger towards the three other gentleman involved in the kidnapping. I am glad Mr. Calderon is serving life in prison. HOW DARE MR. CALDERON BLAME A PERSON THAT WASNT EVEN ALIVE TO OWN UP to THEIR FAULTS. How dare you try to save yourself. YOU are as guilty as any man in that vehicle. Rest assure that you will never have peace in your heart and I hope you are living with that guilt for the rest I your life. As for "Sammy" and Mr. Cortez you too should be ashame of yourselves. You were released and able to continue a life while some of us were left with unanswered questions. My dream is to one day be able to meet individually with each one of you and get the details of this story. I want peace and closure in my heart and soul. It sucks knowing that I never knew the truth and at 36yrs of age I find this to be the happily ever ending. Which in this case was the worst ending ever. I understand my father made his own choices and that is something that I will never understand but I would want to know why you all did such crime and what were my fathers last moments. All I could do now is pray that one day this dream comes true!!!!! Again Latham family I am terribly sorry! Hope that brings you some closure.

Irasema
Daughter of Jesus Ramirez

October 1, 2014

To any family of Dick Latham that might read this: It has been 30 years. I have never forgotten. Even today I still wear a pin to remember him. I still work for Customs. Not in uniform anymore and I work in Blaine, WA. Please know he is still honored today. I am sure the Border Patrol has never forgotten either from his years with them prior to Customs.

SES/ rccj
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

January 31, 2014

i dont know what i can leave reflection of greates inspector of us custem i dont heve the words te write for his tragic death by cop killes may you rest in pace sir richard i am not us citizen i am belgium citizen not oanly us is on deep sorrow about your tragic death but the belgiums citizens ither and i guess all the intire world thay who love the pace and justice are in deep sorrow about your tragic death my god bless your family and you children.

abidinoski abidin
un citizen

December 9, 2013

The world is less and our lives changed forever with you gone. You are greatly missed, each and every day. Love you, Daddy.

Susie Latham Jay
Daughter #1

June 2, 2013

Words cannot express to you how I feel to have known someone close to me was involved in your murder. No apology, remorse, or regret, will bring you back to your family. My deepest sympathy to your family and my greatest respect for your service. Due to the circumstances surrounding your murder, my life and that of my unborn son was saved. I now educate youth on making better choices and hope that somehow out of a terrible tragedy, lives can change, as mine was. Sincerely

Deanna Madrid
Juvenile Probation Officer

November 9, 2012

I am not an American but I watched the story on fbi files I was really touched by the bravery of that man he was a hero , rest in peace.

karwan
engeener from \IRAQ

October 29, 2012

RIP, Inspector. Watching the report on TV about your murder was very sad. I am an immigrant to this country myself but I condemn the actions of the mexican criminals who shouldn't have gotten legal residence in the US in the first place. In my own opinion the mexicans are a plague and a burden for the US citizens. They don't deserve to be allowed into this country.
This incident proves what they are capable of.
Sorry for my harsh words but what they did to Inspector Latham really touched me. A man who was enforcing the law and just doing his job.
RIP, sir.

US resident

October 25, 2012

You were a Hero Sir, this case is in my heart. I've watched the tv report and read about the changes made to Customs because of your case. May you RIP now agent and you will never be forgotten Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. .

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today

.Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 28, 2012

I reported to FLETC, Glynco, Ga. in April, 1980 for basic training as a U.S. Customs Inspector. Richard Latham was one of my classmates. He was a quiet but friendly man, and got along well with his classmates, even though most of us were much younger than he was. I was shocked by the news of his murder, and will never forget what happened to him. It has been almost 30 years since I met Richard at FLETC, and I think of him often. Rest in peace, Inspector Latham, you served your country well and proudly, and gave the last full measure of devotion to your fellow Americans.

Senior Special Agent Robert Castioni
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

January 11, 2010

I was a Border Patrol Agent in Brackettville when this happened. I knew Richard personally and worked alongside his brother Bobby who was also a Border Patrol Agent. It was a sad day on the border, one that I will never forget. Richard was a true professional and a real Texan. I still tear up when thinking of that day. Rest In Peace Richard and may God continue to bless your family.

SSA, Ret., David Blackwell
U.S. INS Investigations

October 10, 2009

I am an officer at the same U.S. Port of Entry that Mr. Latham did and i just wanted to say that he will never be forgoten. His picture hangs with pride for all of us to see and remember. I have lived in this town most of my life and when this happened i was only 11 years old but i still remember. His death was tragic, but it is a reminder to everyone that we risk our lives everyday for the safty of the United States and its people. Thank you for your service Mr.Latham and may you rest in peace.

GS-11 Xavier Galindo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

August 15, 2008

I just saw your story on FBI Files and your bravery and courage is quite remarkable, but to read this and see a whole additional story involving a relative is astounding. That your relatives still pay tribute and reflect on both of your memories speaks volumes about the kind of person and Agent you were. Rest in peace always and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 9, 2008

God Bless you sir. I saw your story on FBI files and it touched my heart and then to read about your Grandfather was very heartbreaking. I thank you both for your service and i pray that you watch over us from up above.

ryan
phx,az

April 1, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 25, 2008