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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
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Santa Cruz Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Elizabeth is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Elizabeth is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elizabeth is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2013, 6 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2013, 43 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 144th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2013, 49 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elizabeth was 38. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Elizabeth had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elizabeth was 38. 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. Elizabeth had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elizabeth was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elizabeth had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 12%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Santa Cruz Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 7.4% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Her people
Santa Cruz Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Elizabeth among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Santa Cruz Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
