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Patrolman Gilbert D. Benitez | New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana
New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana

Patrolman

Gilbert D. Benitez

New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana

End of Watch: Tuesday, August 13, 1963

Biographical Info

Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 13, 1963
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Died in prison

Patrolman Gilbert Benitez was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to arrest two robbery suspects.

The suspects, who the officers were chasing, crashed into a parked car at St. Claude and Anthony Streets. In an exchange of gunfire Patrolman Benitez was shot in the face. Both suspects were arrested minutes later in the downtown area after a shootout with several officers.

Patrolman Benitez's killer was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life. He died in prison on August 3, 2006. The other suspect was sentenced to life.

Patrolman Benitez had served with the New Orleans Police Department for four years and was assigned to the juvenile division. He was survived by his wife, two children, and three stepchildren.