Sacramento Police Department, California
End of Watch Tuesday, July 23, 1963
Add to My HeroesEugene Edgar McKnight
Officer Eugene McKnight was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two suspects who had robbed a market.
Officer McKnight, who was off duty, was shopping with his wife when the robbery took place. As the suspects fled from the store he followed and grabbed one of them. As the two struggled the suspect pulled a pistol and shot Officer McKnight through his neck. Minutes later a state trooper captured both suspects.
Both suspects were convicted of first degree murder on January 24th, 1964. The gunman was sentenced to death. In 1971 his sentence was commuted to life. The other suspect was sentenced to life but was awarded a new trial in which he was cleared of the murder charge and convicted of armed robbery.
Officer McKnight was a U.S Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had served with the Sacramento Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 16 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsYour selfless actions that day are the true definition of a hero. Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 23, 2020
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