End of Watch:
March 27, 1879
Age: 26
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Homicide: Handgun
Deputy John Diamond was shot and killed following an altercation in a courtroom at Silver Reef.
The incident occurred when Deputy Diamond ordered several men to remove their hats inside the courtroom. One of the men argued and then left the courtroom saying that he would wait in the street for Deputy Diamond. When Deputy Diamond finished his bailiff duties, he left the courtroom. The suspect immediately fired upon him with a pistol, striking him in the heart. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Diamond managed to shoot and kill the suspect. Deputy Diamond was single. His burial location is currently unknown.
The bronze memorial name plaque of Deputy John Diamond is sponsored by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Chief of Law Enforcement Services, Ken Wallentine and Janet Wallentine.