Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Gary Saunders was shot and killed with his own service weapon following a foot chase of a suspect near the intersection of Florence and Holmes Avenues. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect was able to gain control of Deputy Saunders' service revolver and shot him. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later after being surrounded. The man was convicted of second-degree murder. He was released from prison in 1975.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-6CE58111- 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 Gary. 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 Saunders served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Saunders.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Gary David Saunders 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 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept., 58 of 120 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gary David Saunders's cause is highlighted.
How Gary David Saunders Compares
Offender Outcome
Released in 1975
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gary David Saunders is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gary David Saunders was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
119 officers from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
