In Memoriam

Joe W. Meeks

Deputy

End of Watch: January 21, 1913

In the town of Ajo, Arizona, on January 21, 1913, Deputy Joe W. Meeks was awakened from sleep at 2:00 a.m. and called from his bed to quell a disturbance created by the desperado Calistro Villareal and his cronies. While searching the town for Mr. Villareal and questioning a person in the area of the incident, Deputy Meeks was fired upon by Mr. Villareal. Two shots rang out and one struck Deputy Meeks in the face, passing through his head. He died a short time later.

Mr. Villareal fled from the scene on foot and headed south in the direction of Mexico. Sheriff John Nelson led a posse into Mexico, returning empty-handed when the Mexican authorities refused to assist in the search.

No record exists indicating if Mr. Villareal was ever brought to justice.

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