United States of America
U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Michael Jay Bentley
1983
Michael Jay Bentley served the U.S. Marine Corps for 2 years. Michael served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Motor vehicle
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Michael Bentley was killed when his cruiser was intentionally rammed by a fleeing armed robbery suspect. The suspect was fleeing an armed robbery of a convenience store in a stolen pick-up. The suspect changed direction, and before the pursuing deputy could broadcast the direction, he approached Deputy Bentley's unit head-on, explaining later that he saw the vehicle but decided to commit suicide by ramming the patrol car. The subject suffered a cut lip. The subject was sentenced to life imprisonment but is eligible for parole. Deputy Bentley was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Kern County Sheriff's Office for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, stepson, parents.
Keepsakes
Service Record
Also Served
Kern County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqwp8szzb5b2290dke3m
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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