Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Gilbert Benitez was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to arrest two robbery suspects. The suspects, who the officers were chasing, crashed into a parked car at St. Claude and Anthony Streets. In an exchange of gunfire Patrolman Benitez was shot in the face. Both suspects were arrested minutes later in the downtown area after a shootout with several officers. Patrolman Benitez's killer was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life. He died in prison on August 3, 2006. The other suspect was sentenced to life. Patrolman Benitez had served with the New Orleans Police Department for four years and was assigned to the juvenile division.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, and three stepchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-A17984FE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Benitez gave the New Orleans Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Orleans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Benitez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Gilbert D. Benitez is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Orleans Police Department, 86 of 128 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gilbert D. Benitez's cause is highlighted.
How Gilbert D. Benitez Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gilbert D. Benitez is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gilbert D. Benitez was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
127 officers from New Orleans Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
