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Steven Laurence Armenta
Incident
Field Supervisor Steven Armenta was shot and killed following an undercover drug purchase in the city of Benicia. When the officers attempted to arrest the suspect, he opened fire, fatally wounding Supervisor Armenta. On August 27, 1974, the suspect, 21, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, three counts of selling cocaine, and sentenced to four 5 year to life terms to be served concurrently. Supervisor Armenta was assigned to the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Field Supervisor Armenta served with the California Department of Justice.
Thank you for your service to the Sacramento community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Field Supervisor Armenta.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
California Department of Justice has lost 7 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Steven is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Steven is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Steven 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 1973, 18 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Steven was 43. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Steven was 43. 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.
Steven was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 8.2% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at California Department of Justice, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was 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 handgun, in 26.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
California Department of Justice has 7 officers remembered here, Steven among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from California Department of Justice are honored on badge.nw.
