Lake County Sheriff's Office, Oregon
End of Watch: Saturday, December 1, 1979
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 1, 1979
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years
Deputy Sheriff David Sanchez died after being shot 17 times, 10 in the back as he lay dying, by a man he arrested during a disturbance at a high school dance in Paisley. His body was located on the highway south of town.
After a plea-bargain arrangement, the suspect was convicted of second degree manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was paroled after serving less than five years.
Deputy Sanchez had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Office for six months and had previously served with the Fresno County, California, Sheriff's Office for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.