Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Ira Essoe succumbed to complications of gunshot wounds sustained on November 6th, 1980.
He and his partner, who were both in plainclothes, had gone to the Mall of Orange to collect bail on a warrant. When they arrived at the location, they observed three men breaking into a car in the mall's parking lot.
Sergeant Essoe approached one side of the car as his partner approached the other. One of the subjects was able to disarm Sergeant Essoe's partner at gunpoint, and ordered him to lay on the ground. Sergeant Essoe drew his revolver and engaged the suspect who was giving commands to his partner while the other two men fled. Sergeant Essoe's partner was able to seek cover during the shootout.
One of the men who was fleeing on foot opened fire on Sergeant Essoe, then returned to the vehicle and shot Sergeant Essoe from behind.
Sergeant Essoe remained in poor health and passed away from direct complications of the wounds on February 4th, 2010.
Two of the subjects were apprehended following a high speed pursuit a short time later. The third was later linked to the crime while in federal prison for bank robbery. All three were sentenced to eight to 18 years in prison for the original shooting and attempted murder. In 2010 the Orange County District Attorney charged the men with murder. In response to an appeal of a preliminary ruling, the California Court of Appeals ruled that based on the laws governing the crime in 1980, the suspects could not be charged for his murder. They were released from custody after one year.
Sergeant Essoe had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-4D3AD4CC- 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.
Sergeant Essoe gave the Orange County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Santa Ana community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Essoe.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Ira Gabor Essoe, Sr. 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 Orange County Sheriff's Dept., 5 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ira Gabor Essoe, Sr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Ira Gabor Essoe, Sr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 18 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ira Gabor Essoe, Sr. is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ira Gabor Essoe, Sr. was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Orange County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
