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Incident
Officer Morris was shot and killed with his own service weapon while struggling with two men he surprised behind a drug store. Both, 23 and 29, were apprehended later the same night. They were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit burglary. On December 7, 1972, the 29-year-old was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. The other man was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 5 years to life. Officer Morris had served with the agency for 3 years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Morris gave the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of California. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Morris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1972, 7 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 34. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 34. 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. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 16.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 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
Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has 5 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety are honored on badge.nw.
