Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Machado was shot and killed at the intersection of Highway 49 and Elm Avenue in Auburn with his own service weapon during a struggle with a mental patient. The subject was located a short time later, walking along I-80. As other officers approached him, he attempted to shoot them with Deputy Machado's weapon. The officers fired several shotgun rounds at the suspect, killing him. Deputy Machado had served with the Placer County Sheriff's Office for four years. In 2008, Deputy Machado was posthumously awarded the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Purple Heart. He is survived by his wife and three children. The Auburn intersection where he was killed was also dedicated in his honor.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-598F7668- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Machado gave the Placer County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Auburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Machado.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James E. Machado 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 Placer County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James E. Machado's cause is highlighted.
How James E. Machado Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James E. Machado is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James E. Machado was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Placer County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
