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Incident
Detective James Northcutt and Sergeant Steven Morgan were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. He and other officers had just arrived at the scene when several shots were fired by the suspect with an AR-15 assault rifle. Witnesses stated that when the suspect heard the sirens of the responding units he put down the handgun he was holding and picked up the rifle. As officers arrived on the scene he opened fire on them. Sergeant Morgan and Detective James Northcutt were both shot and killed and a third officer was wounded. The suspect, who was dressed in fatigues and wearing a bullet proof vest, was shot and killed by an off duty officer from another department who was nearby. Detective Northcutt had served with the Long Beach Police Department for one year and had served in law enforcement for 33 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
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
33 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Northcutt gave the Long Beach Police Department 33 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Long Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Northcutt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Long Beach Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1998, 3 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1998, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1998, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 54. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. James had served 33 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 54. 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. James had served 33 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 33 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10.3% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Wednesdays: 16.5%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Long Beach Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Long Beach Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Long Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
