Eugene Edgar McKnight served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Officer Eugene McKnight was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two suspects who had robbed a market. Officer McKnight, who was off duty, was shopping with his wife when the robbery took place. As the suspects fled from the store he followed and grabbed one of them. As the two struggled the suspect pulled a pistol and shot Officer McKnight through his neck. Minutes later a state trooper captured both suspects. Both suspects were convicted of first degree murder on January 24th, 1964. The gunman was sentenced to death. In 1971 his sentence was commuted to life. The other suspect was sentenced to life but was awarded a new trial in which he was cleared of the murder charge and convicted of armed robbery. Officer McKnight was a U.S Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had served with the Sacramento Police Department for 16 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer McKnight gave the Sacramento Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sacramento community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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