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Incident
Police Officer Carlos Ledesma was shot and killed while conducting an undercover narcotics operation at a home in the 2300 block of West Maldonado Road in Phoenix.
Officer Ledesma was working an undercover operation with two other officers who were attempting to sell 500 pounds of marijuana to the subjects. They had just arrived to complete the deal when the suspects came out firing at them. Two of the officers were able to return fire and both were wounded.
Two suspects were shot and killed by the officers and six other suspects were taken into custody. In 2017 three of the men plead guilty to second degree murder and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. One was sentenced to 30 years in prison and the other two were sentenced to 20 years in prison. On August 14, 2022, the last two suspects, 37 and 51, were convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Officer Ledesma was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Chandler Police Department for three years. He had previously served with the Spirit Lake, Iowa, Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. Carlos is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Ledesma gave the Chandler Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chandler community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Carlos Luciano Ledesma served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1994â2002) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chandler Police Department has lost 7 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Carlos is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Carlos is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Carlos is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 3 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Carlos was 34. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Carlos had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Carlos was 34. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Carlos had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Carlos was 34. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Carlos had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at Chandler Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 0.2% of these deaths.
His people
Chandler Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Carlos among them.
Where
Military Service
Carlos Luciano Ledesma served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1994–2002) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Carlos Luciano Ledesma’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chandler Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
