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Incident
Police Officer David Jack was shot and killed while patrolling the Los Angeles Dispatch Center at 107 S. Broadway in Los Angeles. His body was discovered in an officer's doorway with a gunshot wound to his head. His revolver was still holstered, indicating he had been ambushed. On December 2, 1974, a man, 22, was arrested in Inglewood for carrying a concealed weapon. A ballistics test on the .38 caliber revolver he had revealed it belonged to Los Angeles Police Officer James C. Van Pelt, 39. A week earlier a burglary suspect shot and critically him after he wrested the gun from him. It was also the same gun used to kill Officer Jack. More investigation revealed three days before he shot Officer Van Pelt, he attacked a 19-year-old woman with a machete leaving her in critical condition. Three days earlier he used the same gun to shoot a man, 57, leaving him in serious condition. The suspect was charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder. The woman, 19, never recovered. She lost her sight in both eyes, was permanently disfigured, and was confined to a wheel chair for the rest of her life. Officer Van Pelt recovered. On July 7, 1975, the suspect was convicted of second degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, and sentenced to 22 years to life. Much to the horror of many he was paroled in September of 1985. He was back in prison 13 months later for violating his paroled. He was released again on January 18, 1989. Officer Jack had served with the California State Police for only seven months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Jack served with the California State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of California. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Jack.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
California State Police has lost 5 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 14 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 21. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. David had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 21. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 21. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.3% of these deaths in CA, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at California State Police, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
California State Police has 5 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from California State Police are honored on badge.nw.
