Correctional Officer Victor A. Sam

Victor A. Sam

Correctional Officer Victor Sam was shot and killed when he was recognized as a correctional officer during an off duty robbery along Multiview Drive, in Riverside County.

Officer Sam was driving to work to begin his shift at the California Rehabilitation Center, Norco, when he stopped to assist who he believed were two stranded motorists. Unbeknownst to Officer Sam, the two subjects had been committing robberies in the area while pretending to have car trouble. As Officer Sam approached, one of the subjects drew a sawed-off shotgun and announced the robbery.

As the subject took his personal items he discovered Officer Sam's correctional officer identification. He told his accomplice that Officer Sam had to die, and after handing the items to the accomplice, he took the officer up an embankment and shot him in the back of the head execution-style.

Officer Sam was reported missing after he failed to arrive at work. His body was discovered by his own father three days later.

Both subjects were eventually arrested and charged with Officer Sam's murder, as well as a second murder committed under similar circumstances. The accomplice was sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Sam is survived by his wife and son.