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Incident
Special Agent Richard Morello was shot and killed while conducting an undercover drug buy at 10598 Dufferin Avenue in Riverside. After Agent Morello purchased the hashish, agents and Riverside Police Officers entered the home. While clearing out one of the bedrooms, Agent Morello was struck by gunfire. He and his partner returned fire, killing the subject. Agent Morello was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his wound prior to arrival. Five subjects were arrested and arraigned for possession of hashish for sale, but no additional information is available. Agent Morello had served with the California Department of Justice, assigned to the Narcotics Bureau, for over one year and previously served with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office for over one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Agent Morello gave the California Department of Justice 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sacramento community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Morello.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
California Department of Justice has lost 7 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard 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 1971, 22 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1971, 168 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1971, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 25. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Richard had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 25. 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. Richard had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 2.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at California Department of Justice, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
California Department of Justice has 7 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from California Department of Justice are honored on badge.nw.
