Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Sodel was shot and killed after being abducted by a motorist he had stopped for suspicion of car theft. After his cruiser was found abandoned a massive search was undertaken and his body was found several days later four miles from the scene. Three weeks later the 26-year-old suspect was arrested in New York City. On January 20, 1947, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life.
Survivors
Officer Sodel was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-EC3708E1- 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.
Officer Sodel gave the California Highway Patrol 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of California. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Sodel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Stephen W. Sodel 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 California Highway Patrol, 71 of 233 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Stephen W. Sodel's cause is highlighted.
How Stephen W. Sodel Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Stephen W. Sodel is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Stephen W. Sodel was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
232 officers from California Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
