Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Harold Thornton was shot and killed by a former mental patient after responding to a stabbing call at 604 Olivero Street in Modesto. The suspect opened fire on Deputy Thornton with a .38 caliber revolver, striking him several times. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Thornton returned fire and wounded the suspect, who was then taken into custody. Deputy Thornton was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was sentenced to death but the sentence was changed in 1972 to life without parole when the death penalty was abolished. The suspect died in prison on September 9th, 1980. Deputy Thornton had served with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-F8C966D5- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Thornton gave the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Modesto community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thornton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Harold Lee Thornton 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept., 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Harold Lee Thornton's cause is highlighted.
How Harold Lee Thornton Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harold Lee Thornton is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harold Lee Thornton was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
