Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer George Elder was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two armed suspects as they robbed the Star Market on Garvey Avenue at 8:45 p.m. Officer Elder was in his car, waiting for his wife, when he witnessed two men running out of the store. He exited his vehicle and pursued them. He was found on Alhambra Avenue, shot in the head and chest with a .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber pistol. He died en route to the Bella Vista Hospital after describing the suspects and the getaway car. The suspects had robbed the store at gunpoint and stole over $1000. Bullet holes in the suspect's vehicle from Officer Elder's return fire led to the suspect's arrest in Whittier a week later. Both suspects, along with the getaway driver, were convicted of first-degree murder. The gunmen were sentenced to death but later had their sentences commuted to life. The getaway driver was sentenced to life, but in 1969, he received a new trial and was acquitted. Officer Elder had served with the Monterey Park Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-6E1FCF4F- 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.
Police Officer Elder gave the Monterey Park Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Monterey Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Elder.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer George E. Elder 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 Monterey Park Police Department, 1 of 2 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. George E. Elder's cause is highlighted.
How George E. Elder Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George E. Elder is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George E. Elder was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Monterey Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
