Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy William Hunter and Lieutenant Estes were shot and killed after responding to a call involving one neighbor threatening another.
As Deputy Hunter responded to the scene, the original reporting party called back and stated that the subject had stolen a firearm. Deputy Hunter then requested backup, and Lieutenant Estes, who was in the area, volunteered and responded to the scene, arriving 19 minutes after Deputy Hunter.
Deputy Hunter entered the cabin, where he was ambushed by the subject as he walked around the corner just inside the front door. The suspect shot him in the head, fatally wounding him. When Lieutenant Estes entered the cabin, he exchanged shots with the suspect at a range of three feet. Lieutenant Estes' weapon was found with one round remaining and had been jammed when it was struck by one of the suspect's rounds. The exchange of gunfire between Lieutenant Estes and the suspect left both men fatally wounded.
When dispatch was unable to reach either officer, additional units were sent by the California Highway Patrol. When they arrived, they located both cruisers parked in front of the small cabin. The sheriff's department's SWAT team was then called out. After firing tear gas, entry was made into the home where the bodies of Deputy Hunter, Lieutenant Estes, and the suspect were located. The suspect was described as a survivalist who was often seen carrying weapons.
Deputy Hunter had been employed with the Butte County Sheriff's Department for three years.
Bill, you are remembered with respect and honor always.
Retired. There that night. Butte County July 28th, 2025
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-D77DC360- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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 Hunter gave the Butte County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oroville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Hunter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William Robert Hunter 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 Butte County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Robert Hunter's cause is highlighted.
How William Robert Hunter Compares
Offender Outcome
Also killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Robert Hunter is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Robert Hunter was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Butte County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
