Stockton Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, August 3, 1978
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 3, 1978
Weapon Used: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Cecchetti was shot and killed while serving a narcotics warrant. As he entered the rear door of the home he encountered the suspect, who was attempting to flee. As Officer Cecchetti reacted, he stumbled on the steps and fell forward. The suspect fired one shot, striking Officer Cecchetti near the collar bone, just above his vest, in a downward direction, striking his heart.
The suspect, 23, was arrested a short time later. On October 15, 1979, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole. As of December 1, 2022, he was in Vacaville Prison and is not being considered for parole.
Officer Cecchetti was survived by his wife, two sons, and parents. His father served as the Stockton police chief at the time of the shooting.