Spokane Police Department, Washington
End of Watch: Wednesday, July 20, 1983
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 55
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 18, 1983
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Detective Brian Orchard was shot and killed while conducting an undercover stakeout of two thieves wanted for the theft of a valuable gun collection at the 500 block of South Pine.
The suspects had attempted to ransom the collection for $20,000. When the men pulled up to the surveillance area, Detective Orchard approached the car and identified himself. One of the occupants fired a shot from inside the car, striking Detective Orchard in the head. Both men were later arrested.
Detective Orchard's killer was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His request for clemency was denied in 2011 and 2022.
Detective Orchard was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Spokane Police Department for 15 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.