Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Years ago I visited the Orange Co. Sheriff's Academy and saw a memorial plaque for Deputy Shayne York. Having been a LASD deputy I took a picture of the plaque with the intent to look up the circumstances of his death, which I did not do until today.

It is true that the memory of those law enforcement hero's that have paid the ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten, and this is the case for Deputy York. To his family, co-workers, and friends know that the community and our nation are better because of those like Deputy York who serve and protect its citizens.

Sgt. James Mair (Ret.)
Los Angeles Sheriff Dept- Denver Police Dept

November 29, 2022

Sir - I was a prior Law Enforcement officer working at Knott's Berry Farm as a Security Officer on mobile (vehicle) patrol that night. I was a block away when we got the call to assist BPPD - learning later I was but a couple of blocks away when the actual incident took place. Although I was not armed, it did not matter, I, along with other KBF Officers assisted in searching our perimeter and parking lots all night -- hoping to find the person or persons responsible. I watched as your ambulance jetted away down LaPalma escorted by squads. I want you, your Department, your then fiancée, and your family to know that I still think about that night. I have visited your plaque in Station 23's lobby. That night, some of us were so close, yet so far away... if only.... Godspeed sir.

John Escobar prior WI Game Warden
Civilian now

December 8, 2021

Thinking of you today my friend. Hard to believe it’s been 24 years since you were taken from us. Never will forget you brother.

DK
LASD

August 14, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 16, 2020

Shayne,
I often think about the last time I spoke to you when I came in on PM shift to relieve you that day. We said a few silly jokes and our goodbyes, as you were off to more important things that weekend. I still remember you walking down the ramp. I will never forget you or the feeling I had when I heard the terrible news. I was lucky to have known you. I take comfort knowing you are still watching over us.

Friend
LASD/PDC-East

November 7, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff York.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 31, 2019

To the loved one of Deputy Sheriff Shane Daniel York I am sorry for your loss. I’m sure to this day you wish you could have your loved one back with you for the next Thanksgiving or the next Christmas, or the next birthday, or maybe just another day of life around someone that’s willing to give all of himself in the protection of others. Deputy York you are gone but not forgotten. Your story took me away as something like this could happen to any law enforcement or military member just getting a hair cut to make sure they look presentable and professional. Thank you for your service

DST Diaz
LASD

April 4, 2019

Shayne, I did not know you but I can never forget the tragic incident that took your life. I have been a Los Angeles Police Officer for over 29 years and I can't help but think about you when I am off duty. Your death has been a touchstone for many in law enforcement and though your sacrifice, you have saved the lives of many fellow cops. You are there to remind us that we should always be vigilant both on and off duty. I pray that your family and friends are comforted and that they will see you again in the Kingdom of Heaven. God bless you and God bless the LASD.

Sergeant R. Alvarez #26529
Los Angeles Police Department

September 18, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 21st anniversary of your EOW.

The cold blooded scum that took your life needs to pay with his.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 16, 2018

"Kindness to your enemies is cruelty to yourself." In this case, kindness to a cold-hearted murderer is cruelty to the entire society. Kindness should only be given to those who are worthy. Andre Willis was sentenced for his calculated execution of Deputy York who represented the law and order of the land. By commuting Willis's sentencing, it unjustly favored the wrongdoer, which is never the intent of our justice system, and it sets precedents for criminals who are in similar roles to get away with cold-blooded murder.

Criminal laws were created for the purpose of retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation. Commuting Willis certainly won't serve the purpose of retribution since he murdered Deputy York, it should be up to Deputy York's family whether Willis should receive the commutation. Deterrence is uncertain since it will be based off rehabilitation. If there's no hard evidence showing Willis is rehabilitated, then there's certainly no guarantee that Willis will not murder again. Incapacitation, in case of an execution style murder, is only achieved by forever removing the criminal from the society by either death penalty or life imprisonment.

Commuting Willis's sentencing is not only unjust to Deputy York and his family, but also it's a danger to the entire society. Whatever reasons Willis is using for his request can be duplicated again if his request is granted. This would become a dangerous precedent that puts many innocent lives at stake. Willis's request must be denied and the floodgate shall never be opened.

Det. X/A
LASD

June 12, 2018

I grew up with Shane York and outstanding young man he turned out to be. His life was taken suddenly by a callous and vicious attack perpetrated on him for no other reason than his representation of law and order.

I can say that this was a true loss to his friends and family. A loss which will remain a void in the very people who knew him.

These murders were sentenced and the sentence should remain as the death sentence will never be commutative for Officer York RiP hero.

Laura DaLessio
Childhood friend, in memory of a hero

May 24, 2018

Governor Jerry Brown
ATTENTION: Legal Affairs
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Commutation Request by Andre Willis, Inmate #T20308

I urge you to NOT commute the sentence of the above inmate, Andre Willis. His crime was not drug related, it was murder by execution and that because he was a police officer. The victim was Shayne York, a Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff who was off-duty and with his fiancée as they made a stop at a local hair salon Buena Park.

The lack of remorse, then and now, are an incredible statement of the inhumanity of Andre Willis. The public would not be served in any fashion by the release of this inmate. As a Californian, a taxpayer, a former deputy sheriff, a supportive voter and citizen, I am asking you to please deny this request.

Paula Fernandez, former Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

May 23, 2018

I can't believe a commutation would even be considered!!

James R Ellison
Deputy Sheriff, Lasd, Retired

May 23, 2018

The man you are about to release was not the "victim" of unjust narcotic sentencing, he is a convicted robbery/murder suspect. The crime for which he was convicted resulted in the assassination/murder of Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Shayne York. I'm sure in your "Progressive" heart you can find someone in the Penal System that may actually be deserving of a commutation of their sentence.

Detective Rod Shanks, Retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff

May 22, 2018

We in law enforcement put our lives at risk every day. We do this for the community we have sworn to protect and serve. It does little to assist us by prematurely releasing hardened murderers. You do the justice system a great service by adhering to your sworn oath.

CK Scholten, Sgt. Ret.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department

May 22, 2018

Dear Mr Governor,

It would be a travesty of justice if this convict is paroled or sentence commuted

Your law enforcement constitutes are pleading with you to not let any more convicted criminals realized from custody before the time which is determined by the Superior Court is served

Lord knows you are ready in the process of making this state a haven for criminals and illegal immigrants

Detective Michael Young
Retired, LASD

May 22, 2018

Governor Brown should not intervine, and allow the justice system to carry out the death sentence for the murderers of Shane York.

Deputy George Housos
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. Retired 2011

May 22, 2018

I pass by a small memorial stand across the street from Knott's Berry Farms every day. It is a sad reminder of the execution of Deputy Shane York. Governor Brown please do not parole or commute this inmates sentenced. He should serve his full

Lieutenant Seiko Tokuda jr
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Retired

May 22, 2018

I hope that the governor of California will not let the second suspect out on parole or Commute the sentence. It does not matter that this other suspect did not pull the trigger he was part of this. Therefore he got life in prison without possibility of parole and he should do his time until he's dead. California has not excluded anyone in 12 years and currently has over 747 death row inmates. When is California going to do with the people voted for.
Sheriff's deputy David Mackie San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department retired.

David M Mackie
San Bernardino County Sheriff retired.

May 16, 2018

I pray for you and your love ones today Deputy Shayne York. You have been a great loss to our department and community, You will never be forgotten. God Bless, Brother.

Recruit Mota
LASD

May 13, 2018

Rest in peace sir, I had the honor to visit your memorial located at Pitches Detention Facility, during my stay at the academy. Your death was a tragic one and it shouldn't have happened because of the badge you carry. You will always be remembered.

Recruit Tepale
Lasd

May 12, 2018

Never a braver Deputy lived. Gone, but never forgotten

Michael Wenger
Retired LEO
TBL

February 16, 2018

On August 10, 2016 a portion of I-5 between Newhall Ranch road and Hasley Canyon Rd. Was dedicated in your memory. Your entire family was their, the memorial was great, now your memory will live on forever.

Retired Deputy Dan York
Shayne's Father

August 13, 2016

Deputy York: This week marks the 18th year since your passing from this earth. Thank you for your dedicated service to the citizens of Los Angeles County. Every time I pass by your memorial signs on the I5 I will think of you. And to your parents: Peace and good fortune in the years to come.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired) 5342

August 11, 2015

Santa Clarita newspaper: Assembly bill ACR 16 has now passed, and a stretch of the I-5 freeway between Newhall Ranch Rd. and Hasley Cyn Rd. is designated in your name. "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Shayne Daniel York Memorial Highway."

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol (retired)

March 29, 2015