Police Officer Eugene Edgar McKnight, Sacramento Police Department, California

Police Officer Eugene Edgar McKnight

Sacramento Police Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, July 23, 1963

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Eugene 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

robbery, off duty, parolee

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Most Recent Reflection

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While viewing my Officer Memorial page I came across your Memorial my Brother. I was 3 yrs. old when you were murdered by this thug. Little did I know at 3 yrs. old that I myself was called by God to be a Police officer in 1987 . After 32 yrs. Working my way through the ranks to Detective, then Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. On November 21 2018 I was shot twice by a 30 yr felon.i shot and killed him. I lived through it but NOT SERVIVED IT. It is a nightmare and tape recording that never stops playing. Sir I am so sorry my heart and soul are lost when I look at ALL my Brothers and Sisters that have left their families, but our faith in God keeps your memories alive. I am 65 and had to retire from my injuries after the shooting, both physical, and mentally.. I will get to meet you my Brother and we will stand together as one

Retired Lieutenant Tommy Pettus
Talladega Alabama Police Department

December 22, 2024