Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Leo Wise was shot and killed by a man while trying to break up a bar room brawl. The suspect was arrested a short time later. Police said the suspect may have never been arrested if it were not for the help of four Mexican nationals who helped chase down the suspect and identified him. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and executed in San Quentin's gas chamber on July 12, 1961. Policeman Wise was a U.S Coast Guard veteran of WWII and had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-7385E330- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Policeman Wise gave the Los Angeles Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Leo Wise served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Policeman Leo Wise 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 Police Department, 115 of 240 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Leo Wise's cause is highlighted.
How Leo Wise Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1961
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Leo Wise is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Leo Wise was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
239 officers from Los Angeles Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
