Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Elizabeth Butler and Sergeant Loran Baker were shot and killed as they followed up on a sexual assault investigation at a residence in the 800 block of North Branciforte Avenue at approximately 3:30 pm.
The suspect who was inside the residence, opened the door and immediately shot and fatally wounded both officers. He then stole both of their handguns and fled the scene in their unmarked vehicle. He was located nearby approximately 30 minutes later and was shot and killed when he opened fire on responding officers. The subject was wearing body armor at the time he was killed by other officers.
Detective Butler had served with the Santa Cruz Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
She is survived by her two children and her boyfriend.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-F0761427- 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.
Detective Butler gave the Santa Cruz Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Santa Cruz community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Butler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Elizabeth Chase Butler 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 Santa Cruz Police Department, 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. Elizabeth Chase Butler's cause is highlighted.
How Elizabeth Chase Butler Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Elizabeth Chase Butler is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Elizabeth Chase Butler was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Santa Cruz Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
