Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Raymond Espinoza was shot and killed by a man during an armed robbery attempt of a drive-in theater at 6016 Illinois 116. The 27-year-old man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 99 to 175 years in prison on January 25th, 1971. In 2017 a circuit court judge awarded him a new trial and he was released after posting bond. Ten months later on March 24, 2018, he was found dead in his Peoria apartment. No foul play was suspected. Sergeant Espinoza had served with the Peoria County Sheriff's Department for five years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-291F0B27- 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 Espinoza gave the Peoria County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Peoria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Espinoza.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Raymond Eugene Espinoza 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Peoria County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Raymond Eugene Espinoza's cause is highlighted.
How Raymond Eugene Espinoza Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 99 to 175 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Raymond Eugene Espinoza is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Raymond Eugene Espinoza was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Peoria County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
