Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Sunday, November 29, 1891
Add to My HeroesSamuel S. Leffler
Night Watchman Samuel Leffler was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two trespassers in the Southern Pacific Railroad yards along San Fernando Road in Los Angeles, California (the modern-day location is the Los Angeles State Historic Park).
He had ejected both men from the yards the previous night but located them sleeping in a boxcar at about 6:00 am. A struggle ensued as he attempted to arrest them during which he was disarmed and shot with his own service weapon.
Two men were arrested a short time later and charged with his murder. Both were acquitted at trial after claiming self-defense.
Night Watchman Leffler had served with the Southern Pacific Railroad Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location California
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1 Reflections“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)
October 29, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Russell Earl Lavarl Jones
Pamlico County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: December 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, ND
EOW: December 6, 2023

Police Officer Paul Tracey
Waltham Police Department, MA
EOW: December 6, 2023

Trooper Alberto Felix
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Abbate
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Moran
Cortez Police Department, CO
EOW: November 29, 2023

Detective James Michael Lett
Benton Police Department, AR
EOW: November 8, 2023

Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: November 14, 2023

Correctional Officer III Jovian Motley
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: November 13, 2023