Roll of Honor
Incident
Special Agent Richard Morello was shot and killed while conducting an undercover drug buy at 10598 Dufferin Avenue in Riverside. After Agent Morello purchased the hashish, agents and Riverside Police Officers entered the home. While clearing out one of the bedrooms, Agent Morello was struck by gunfire. He and his partner returned fire, killing the subject. Agent Morello was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his wound prior to arrival. Five subjects were arrested and arraigned for possession of hashish for sale, but no additional information is available. Agent Morello had served with the California Department of Justice, assigned to the Narcotics Bureau, for over one year and previously served with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office for over one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-95F2643A- 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.
Special Agent Morello gave the California Department of Justice 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sacramento community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Morello.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Agent Richard Frank Morello 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 California Department of Justice, 2 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 28.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Frank Morello's cause is highlighted.
How Richard Frank Morello Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Frank Morello is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Frank Morello was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from California Department of Justice are honored on badge.nw.
