Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Please know that on this 53rd "anniversary" of your true heroic actions, your sacrifice is not forgotten nor will it ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police

June 17, 2020

I was a junior at Helix High School in La Mesa. I was driving with friends to Palm Springs. We drove by the truck and border patrol car. On our way back we saw hundreds of officers at a little grocery store. They told us that 2 border patrol agents were missing. My friend Joe told his father what we saw. The border patrol picked Joe up and took him to a parking area with dozens of patrol cars. When Joe accurately identified the car, they took him seriously. They drove him to the area where they were searching. Joe said that was not the place he saw the truck. He directed them to a different spot where there was a ravine. Joe convinced them to drive up the ravine and that was where they found the cabin and the slain officers.
Anne Meridien, San Diego

Not an officet
Witness to the event

February 22, 2020

Rest in peace Border Patrol Inspector Newton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 29, 2019

I'm sure I'm writing for all the kids during the early 1960's who knew and liked Ted at Prescott Washington Hi School. He was mild, easy going and popular. I thought highly of him and his mother Mrs. Alma Newton who was my favorite teacher. Bless you Ted.

Annie Helmick Kochert

May 19, 2019

My name is Linda Gail King Kundolf, I knew Ted and his Family when I was in High School in Greenville SC. Patricia was my best Friend. We stayed in touch for a long time after her Family moved to Washington. I recall hearing the news about Ted. So very sad. I also lost my brother, Jackie in 1965. So many years have passed. I am sad to her of Pat’s death. I will always remember her as I named my Daughter after her.
Was thinking of her this morning is why I came across this article. What a tribute to the Newton Family. God bless all of you and all the Men who protect our Border.

Linda King Kundolf
Long ago Friend

February 19, 2018

My reflection is that this horrible story was revealed to me by a relative of one of the killers. Alfred Montoya died in prison a few days ago. I was told he was an extremely talented artist. After being paroled for his role in this vicious and ruthless murder in the mid nineties, Montoya went straight back to prison for another crime. I do not believe his soul will ever rest. It is gratifying to see that Newton and George are honored and remembered. The irony here is that Montoya could have gained fame for his talent, but he chose a life of crime.

Pamela McKee

March 10, 2017

I was very young when this happened and can remember family members. Talking about this. I live on the east coast and alma ted's mother was my aunt. I'm trying to track family I have never seen. Thank you and blessings to the family of Ted. Ricky Lewis

Ricky Lewis
Cousin

December 10, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 17, 2015

I have noted that on this date, in various years, multiple deaths occurred due to single events. How disturbing that so many can be taken at one time as often as seems the case on this date; 4 events, 6 different law enforcement agencies, 12 law enforcement officers.

On this anniversary of these events, I wish to recognize the heroism of each.

May you, Inspector Newton forever Rest in Peace, and God Bless you, Brother.

The tragedy is compounded by the release of your murderers. We can only hope they have faced true justice, if not in this world, then in the next.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

June 17, 2015

Today a large number of the family of Theodore Newton's wife had a family reunion. One of the subjects was what had happened to our cousin Barbara. Three of her sisters and aunts, uncles, and cousins were present. We unfortunately heard of her death and are trying to confirm it and the date.

I remember Ted as my cousin's husband. I only met him once or twice but he was able to make an impression on me because of his quiet manner but friendliness. His wife Barbara and her brother Leonard (Tom) lived with our family for a short time not long before they met and were ultimately married.

The phone call of his kidnapping and then the news of his death was devastating to our family. I have always wondered what he would have been like as an older man. May he rest in peace

Glen Hansens
Family member by marriage

May 18, 2015

The sacrifice made by yourself and your partner was, and is a terrible event. No loss of a brother officer, a father, a sibling, a spouse is ever a good thing. Your sacrifice was different. Some losses of law enforcement officers brings about a great good and save lives. The Newhall incident, the FBI Miami shootout, and the Newton and Azrak murders have all redefined how law enforcement works. It brought sweeping changes to the Border Patrol itself. Changes which have saved multiple BP agents' lives. Thank you.

Tony P, police officer

December 9, 2014

I mistakenly posted an incorrect eow anniversary year. This is the 45th annniversary year of your death, and it is obvioius from the reflections left by your family that you were loved and missed each of those years.

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

November 24, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 100th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 24, 2012

I was watching tv just now and heard where someone was being awarded the Newton Azrak award which I didn't know existed; I live in FALLBROOK and I never pass by the border patrol station in Temecula without thinking about Ted. He lived in a house on Debby street that I rented to his family. I remember that he was very easy to get to know and probably a few years younger than I. As I remember he had a wife and I think two little ones. I cant recall his wifes name but it would sure be interesting to know a little about what has conspired over the years with his family since the tragedy. May he continue to rest in peace
Jack Story 1251Morro Street Fallbrook Ca.92028

Jack Story Friend and renter

March 25, 2010

In Memory...On June 12,2009 Ted's compassionate and talented brother,Harold...joined him, his dedicated sister Patricia, and his loving Mother and Father. With sincere thoughts, Rest In Peace, Newton Family.

Carolyn Lee Patterson
Friend ,from Nokesville, Virginia,your childhood neighborhood

January 23, 2010

I understand through the retired Border Patrol officers' organization that a ceremony officially naming the Murrieta Border Patrol Station the Newton/Azrak station will be held on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the station. This ceremony fulfills the federal legislation that was enacted last year.

My late husband, Vernon P. Jaques, was stationed at Chula Vista in 1967 and was one of the officers involved in the two-day search for Newton and Azrak. After more than 40 years my memory of that desperate time is vivid. I was unable to attend the dedication of the Oak Grove memorial several years ago because I was out of town, but I do plan to attend the naming ceremony. I hope any others who remember and honor the memories of these young officers and who stumble across this site, as I did, will also be there.

Katie Jaques
Widow of U.S.B.P. Officer Vernon P. Jaques

April 10, 2009

On November 27, 2008, Patricia Ann Newton Harvey, sister of Theodore L. Newton, Jr., passed away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 65. Patricia lived long enough to see the Murrieta station re-named in her brother's honor, and she was so proud that the American people honored her brother in this way. Although I am deeply saddened to see my mother leave, I am comforted in knowing that Patricia and her brother Ted are together again.

Toward the end of her life, she mentioned how she truly missed her brother.

I was at her grave today, and I saw that the Border Patrol Union (I believe) sent a beautiful wreath of flowers in remembrance. Thank you on behalf of my mother. It means alot to us.

David Harvey
Son of Patricia Ann Newton Harvey

David Harvey
Nephew of Theodore L. Newton, Jr.

December 11, 2008

My brother, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27,'08, your beloved younger sister, Patricia NEWTON Harvey passed away. Patricia had been instrumental in 1967 when the Newton Family took the matter of Border Patrol manpower and funding shortages to the U. S. Congress. With their help the BP began to grow from 1400 in'67 to 10,000 by the year 2000. Funding and fundamentals changed, other changes were mandated and longtime BP and Chiefs maintain it is the defining point in the history of the Border Patrol. It also spawned a BP union two days after the finding of you and George Azrak. Even in illness she had been active and spent a year writing letters in support of the Newton-Azrak BP Station re-naming bill and joined the BP, FORBPO, NBPC, friends, family and others in that quest which passed this year. You are sorely missed by our family and the Border Patrol family and now your sister, Patricia joins you in heavenly peace after her illness. She joins you and our Mother and Father there. May all of you rest in peace forever. Love your brother, Harold Newton

Harold J. Newton
Brother

December 11, 2008

Well my brother, on 6-24-08 The Congress of the United States passed bill H R 2728, to designate the Murrieta Border Patrol Station (formerly Temecula) as the "Theodore L. Newton, Jr and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station." On 7-15-08 President George W. Bush signed it into law. It is the first time in history that a Border Patrol Station has been named for a person or persons. It is now U. S. Public Law 110-264 of the US. (Your bro, Harold Newton)

Harold Newton
Brother

July 23, 2008

As I look at the faces of the men and women here, I see the faces of my co-workers. I can imagine each of them shooting the bull and swapping war stories at choir practice as the meat sizzles on the grill. I see them laughing, pranking and teasing their fellow agents, as we often do when we relieve stress. I wish that each of them were still here to share the good times.

And I feel compelled to look at each of the faces here and remember…to remember that each of them made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and we should NEVER forget them or their service.

Too often the sacrifices of those who serve our country are overlooked or casually dismissed by the very public they served so selflessly. But WE should never forget them…each and every one of them. May they each rest in peace eternally in God’s loving embrace.

SBPA James Doran
US Border Patrol

July 22, 2008

You'll never be forgotten, know that we carry on with your honorable service at heart. Rest in peace brother.

SBPA Colburn
USBP

June 17, 2008

Ted,on June 18,'07, the Border Patrol and it's union held the 40th Newton-Azrak Memorial Service at the new Murrieta, Ca., BP Station. This station replaced the old Temecula station. Your son Theodore III, daughter Margaret and brother, Harold were able to attend. Was great to see Teddy and Margaret at the podium honoring their father. During the service, all three of us and Azrak's brother were honored to present the "Newton-Azrak Medal For Heroism" to four BP Agents who had never received their medals. It's the highest honor they can receive. Immediately following that the same Medal was presented to the three of us, plus Azrak's brother Russell. What an honor to receive a federal medal in your name. Thanks brother, for being what you were, we're honored! Love, and we miss you more than you'll ever know, Harold.

Harold J. Newton
Brother

January 26, 2008

My brother, you are sadly missed by the Newton family and your Border Patrol family. You did not die in vain, for your death created sea changes in the U.S.Border Patrol.No longer do 1 officer and a trainee man a checkpoint. Many training, equipment and manpower changes immediately took place and a BP union was created 2 days after your death and 40 years later they still award the Newton-Azrak medal in your name and a memorial service is still being held. Love, your brother Harold

Harold J.Newton
Brother

July 13, 2007

My brother, you are still sadly missed by the Newton family and by the Border Patrol family. Your death created

July 13, 2007

I am angered that the scum that killed you and your partner were set free. I believed they should have either had life sentences with out the possiblity of parole or the death penalty. I thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

Kathryn Baltierra
Riverside County Sheriffs Dept.

June 25, 2007