San Jose Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, August 6, 1970
Add to My HeroesRichard E. Huerta
Officer Richard Huerta was shot and killed while issuing a citation. As he was writing the citation a person unrelated to the situation approached and fatally shot him.
The suspect, who was the son of an Oakland police officer, was convicted of Officer Huerta's murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He was denied parole in 2008.
Officer Huerta had served with the San Jose Police Department for 7 years.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 8 years
- Badge 47
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsI met Richard while working at a cannery in San Jose in the 1950s. We both worked in the empty can department during the summer season. We worked side by side, ate lunch together and quickly became good friends. I remember how happy I was for him when I heard he had joined SJPD. He was a good man for the job. I will also never forget the day I picked up the newspaper and read about what happened. I was mortified to say the least. Today I live near the little park named for him and pass by it nearly every day. After so many years my thoughts still return to Richard. He was a good man.
Antonio Ybarra
Friend
February 4, 2022
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