Incident
Sergeant Robert Mikesell was shot and killed while approaching a vehicle he had stopped while investigating a series of shots fired calls throughout the evening on California 111 at 3 am. The occupant of the vehicle opened fire on him with a rifle, killing him instantly. The suspect, 27, was convicted of Sergeant Mikesell's murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Sergeant Mikesell had served with the Calipatria Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, who became a law enforcement officer.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-D050B50C- 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.
Sergeant Mikesell gave the Calipatria Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Calipatria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Mikesell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Robert Lee Mikesell 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 Calipatria Police Dept., 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Lee Mikesell's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Lee Mikesell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Lee Mikesell is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Lee Mikesell was killed by rifle; .30-.06.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Calipatria Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
