California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 17, 1946
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 17, 1946
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Sodel was shot and killed after being abducted by a motorist he had stopped for suspicion of car theft. After his cruiser was found abandoned a massive search was undertaken and his body was found several days later four miles from the scene.
Three weeks later the 26-year-old suspect was arrested in New York City. On January 20, 1947, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life.
Officer Sodel was survived by his wife and daughter.