James C. Costello

Los Angeles Police Department — Los Angeles, CA

Felonious

End of Watch March 31, 1930

Age 27

Tour of Duty 6 yrs 2 mo

The Vigil Panel 59 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 239

Incident

Policeman James Costello was shot and killed as he and his partner made a traffic stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Lucas Street. When Policeman Costello made contact with the driver the man pulled a gun. As Policeman Costello backed away his partner and the suspect exchanged shots. Policeman Costello was shot in the chest during the exchange. The man fled the scene but was arrested the following day with a gunshot wound to his knee. He was charged with first degree murder but was acquitted at trial. He was later convicted of possession of a blackjack and robbery and sentenced to five years to life. Policeman Costello had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for six years.

Survivors

He was survived by his mother.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-CA-79E08748
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.
Policeman Costello gave the Los Angeles Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Costello.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Los Angeles Police Department

Location Los Angeles, CA

Platform Identity lapd.losangeles.ca.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch March 31, 1930

Tour of Duty 6 yrs 2 mo

Age 27

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Gun; Unknown type

Offender Acquitted

Policeman James C. Costello 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.

Los Angeles Police Department

115

of 240 officers

47.9% Felonious

CA — Statewide

974

of 1,837 officers

53% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious