Police Officer George E. Elder

George E. Elder

Officer George Elder was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two armed suspects as they robbed the Star Market on Garvey Avenue. Officer Elder was shot in the head and chest with a .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber pistol. Bullet holes in the suspect's vehicle from Officer Elder's return fire led to the suspects arrest in Whittier a week later.

Both suspects along with the getaway driver were convicted of first degree murder. The gunmen were sentenced to death but later had their sentences commuted to life. The getaway driver was sentenced to life, but in 1969 he received a new trial and was acquitted.

Officer Elder was survived by his wife and three children.