Motorcycle Officer Paul Lawrence Verna, Los Angeles Police Department, California

Motorcycle Officer Paul Lawrence Verna

Los Angeles Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, June 2, 1983

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Paul Lawrence Verna

Motor Cycle Officer Paul Verna of the Los Angeles Police Department was shot and killed after making a traffic stop of a vehicle containing two armed robbery suspects. One of the men shot Officer Verna once, then passed the revolver to the second subject, who shot him five more times.

Both men, both 26, and two women, both 25, were apprehended the next day. On October 2, 1985, both men were sentenced to death. As of December 3, 2022, both were still on death row.

Officer Verna was a United States Air Force veteran and served 14 years in law enforcement. On December 10, 1981, he rescued two boys with intellectual disability from a burning building. He is survived by his wife and two sons - both of whom went on to become LAPD police officers.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 14 years
Badge 15086
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Sentenced to death

traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Verna,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 2, 2023