Prev
Incident
Detective James O'Brien was shot and killed by a man who had shot seven people, killing three of them, during a shooting spree at an unemployment office. Officer O'Brien was shot with a hunting rifle as he pursued the man near Olivas Park Drive and Victoria Avenue, in Ventura. Officer O'Brien had served with the Oxnard Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, son, mother, brother, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqf786rhf5zwf513q19n- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective O'Brien gave the Oxnard Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oxnard community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Oxnard Police Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1993, 1 officer at Oxnard Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1993, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1993, 101 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1993, 110 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 53rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 35. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Oxnard Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 43; the middle age was 35. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 5.6 years.
James was 35. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 20% of these deaths at Oxnard Police Department; October holds the most, 40%. Thursdays: 20%.
December holds 8.2% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 15.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Oxnard Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 8.6% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Oxnard Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Oxnard Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
