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Incident
Officer Sanchez was transporting three prisoners to the jail in Santa Maria when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle being operated by a drunk driver. Two of the prisoners, ages 16 and 25, were also killed. The 3rd 20-year-old prisoner and Officer Sanchez's 25-year-old partner who was driving were hospitalized. The 35-year-old driver of the other car, father of 8 children, was convicted of reckless driving and one count of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in jail. Officer Sanchez had served with the Guadalupe Police Department for 4 years. He had four brothers and a sister-in-law who served in law enforcement.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Sanchez gave the Guadalupe Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Guadalupe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sanchez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Samuel is the only officer of Guadalupe Police Department remembered here.
Samuel is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Samuel 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 1969, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1969, 124 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1969, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Samuel was 25. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Samuel had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Samuel was 25. 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. Samuel had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Samuel was 25. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Samuel had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 15.8%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Guadalupe Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 9.1% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Guadalupe Police Department are honored on badge.nw.