Detective Darrel Dale Cate

Detective Darrel Dale Cate

Buena Park Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, September 21, 1972

Add to My Heroes

Darrel Dale Cate

Detective Darrel Cate was shot and killed while he and his partner searched a residence for a felony suspect at 939 South Emerald Street in Anaheim.

The suspect was wanted for a sex offense involving a woman. When the detectives arrived at the home, the subject was working under his vehicle and stated that the man they were looking for lived down the street. The other detective went to the neighbor's home to question the subject's location. Detective Cate stayed at the house where the man followed him and shot him in the head and chest. The suspect fled, and a manhunt ensued.

Detective Cate was transported to the hospital, succumbing to his injuries an hour later.

The suspect was apprehended and convicted of second-degree murder in 1973 in connection with Detective Cate's murder but released in 1982. In 2006 he was added to the US Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted List after violating parole on unrelated charges in Virginia. Deputy U.S. Marshals, task force officers from the Merced County Sheriff's Office, and the California Department of Corrections arrested the suspect on unrelated charges at a group home on June 01, 2010.

Detective Cate served with the Buena Park Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Released in 1982

arrest attempt, convicted felon, investigation, sex offense

Most Recent Reflection

View all 20 Reflections

Det. Cate,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Buena Park. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 21, 2022

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.