This is a picture of my son and his little boy, my three-year-old grandson, in the picture I sent you.
Like his father and brothers, my son Deputy Jacob Diaz has a servant's heart and chose to put his life on the line as a police officer to protect our community.
Now, after three years of service, a special prosecutor from Albuquerque is charging him with first-degree murder for following his training.
Friend, this charge is shocking for me and my family, and even ridiculous as he’s already been cleared by an internal investigation.
In June 2024, Jacob responded to a late-night report of a young man walking in an intoxicated manner along the median of a busy highway.
When my son arrived on the scene, the individual repeatedly ignored his instructions to stay back and show his hands.
Instead, the young man quickly walked towards Jacob and drew out what appeared to be a pistol. In response, my son followed his training and fired his weapon.
Even after falling to the ground, the individual continued to ignore his order to remain still and started moving towards the perceived firearm.
Once again, following his training and fearing for his life, Jacob discharged his firearm and the individual was killed.
When I heard about the incident, I was so thankful and relieved to hear my son’s life was safe. Because as the wife and mother of police officers, I know all too well the dangers law enforcement face every time they go out on the streets.
After filing the incident, an administrative investigation on behalf of the New Mexico State Police was completed and submitted – finding my son had followed his training and had sufficient cause to stop the young man and defend his life.
And because the investigation cleared him, Jacob was reinstated as an officer on the force.
But out of the blue, an anti-police prosecutor charged my son with first-degree murder.
You can imagine the absolute shock my family and I felt when receiving the news.
Now, after four months of being cleared of any fault and being back on the force, he’s facing life in prison.
Depriving my 3-year-old little grandson of his father for the rest of his life.
No dad to put him to bed, no dad cheering on his sports games, and no dad to turn to for advice and rely upon as he grows up.
Friend, no child should have to endure such a trial. And I start to tear up just thinking about it.
I can’t tell you how afraid we all are – the thought of losing our boy for life was crippling enough, but we also face the additional burden of never-ending legal bills.
I didn’t know what we were going to do until we received a call from Jason Johnson with the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund (LELDF).
If you’ve ever heard of LELDF, you know they’re a national group fighting on behalf of wrongly-accused police officers like Jacob. LELDF has helped dozens of innocent cops – and their families – at their lowest moments.
And when Jason called, my family was at our lowest moment.
Not only did LELDF decide to help my son get the legal defense he deserves. They’re also raising money to pay for the best attorneys and expert witnesses for Jacob.
So I have to ask you one of the toughest questions I’ve ever asked anyone:
Will you help my son Jacob fight the unjust charges against him by donating to LELDF?
My husband and I are doing everything we can to help our son, but my husband is also a police officer, and his pay is nothing compared to the overwhelming fees involved in legal battles.
Friend, I can’t let a radical prosecutor take my boy from me...destroying our family and my grandson’s life.
So if you are able, would you consider following this link to donate to the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund to help my Jacob?
Any amount - $35, $50, $100, or even $500 or more - will help.
And because LELDF is a non-profit organization, your gift is completely tax-deductible. But whatever you can afford to give, I ask that you rush it back quickly.
Jacob is facing prosecution in New Mexico, which has seen many anti-police practices coming to light. This won’t be an easy fight for justice.
And you and your $35 contribution could make the difference in Jacob being acquitted or spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Right now, Jacob can only rely on the good nature and generosity of kind neighbors like you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email today.
And thank you - in advance - for doing what you can to help my son Jacob.
