Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman James Costello was shot and killed as he and his partner made a traffic stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Lucas Street. When Policeman Costello made contact with the driver the man pulled a gun. As Policeman Costello backed away his partner and the suspect exchanged shots. Policeman Costello was shot in the chest during the exchange. The man fled the scene but was arrested the following day with a gunshot wound to his knee. He was charged with first degree murder but was acquitted at trial. He was later convicted of possession of a blackjack and robbery and sentenced to five years to life. Policeman Costello had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-79E08748- Stewardship
- 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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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Costello gave the Los Angeles Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Costello.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman James C. Costello is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Los Angeles Police Department, 115 of 240 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James C. Costello's cause is highlighted.
How James C. Costello Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James C. Costello is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James C. Costello was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
239 officers from Los Angeles Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
