Deputy Sheriff Juan Abel Escalante

Deputy Sheriff Juan Abel Escalante

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, August 2, 2008

Add to My Heroes

Juan Abel Escalante

Deputy Sheriff Juan Escalante was shot and killed when he was confronted by two armed gang members in front of his home as he prepared to leave for work.

Deputy Escalante drew his weapon and identified himself as a deputy before being fatally shot.

The subject who shot Deputy Escalante knew that he worked as a deputy at the Central Jail and shot him in retribution for a shooting six months earlier in which the suspect's cousin was shot by an LAPD police officer. Deputy Escalante was not involved in the previous shooting.

When the gang member spotted Deputy Escalante, in the 900 block of Aragon Avenue in Los Angeles, he told the man driving to stop the car and two of the gang members got out to confront him. The men opened fire when Deputy Escalante identified himself. Four subjects, including the gang member who shot Deputy Escalante and the man who provided the firearm, were arrested and charged in connection with his murder.

On September 14th, 2010, the driver of the car pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In October 2012 the subject who shot Deputy Escalante pleaded guilty to murder and other charges and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A fifth suspect was arrested in Mexico in December 2012. A sixth suspect has been identified, but is still at large and wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Deputy Escalante was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves and had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 2 years, 6 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .40 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

at home, gang member, off duty, retaliation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 63 Reflections

I lived a few blocks away at the time and will always remember him and the impact he had on the department and the community.

Deputy Sheriff Trainee
Deputy Sheriff Trainee

June 27, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.