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Incident
Detective Luca Benedetti was shot and killed as he and other detectives executed a search warrant as part of an investigation of a series of burglaries.
The detectives approached the apartment, identified themselves, and asked to enter. They waited an extended period of time with no response before forcing entry into the apartment. The suspect was laying in wait inside and opened fire as the detectives entered the apartment.
Detective Benedetti and another detective were both struck. The subject was also wounded by return fire and later committed suicide.
Detective Benedetti was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Detective Benedetti had served with the San Luis Obispo Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Benedetti gave the San Luis Obispo Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Luis Obispo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Benedetti.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Luis Obispo Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Luca is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Luca is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Luca 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 2021, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2021, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2021, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Luca was 37. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Luca had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Luca was 37. 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. Luca had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Luca was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Luca had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.7% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at San Luis Obispo Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. 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.
His people
San Luis Obispo Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Luca among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from San Luis Obispo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
