Technical Sergeant Robert Bruce Butler, United States Air Force Security Forces, U.S. Government

Technical Sergeant Robert Bruce Butler

United States Air Force Security Forces, U.S. Government

End of Watch Saturday, January 10, 1998

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Robert Bruce Butler

Technical Sergeant Robert Butler was shot and killed after stopping the vehicle of a serviceman who had killed another serviceman moments earlier.

The incident occurred on Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California. At the time, Sergeant Butler did not know the driver was a suspect in the murder.

He stopped the vehicle for running a stop sign and driving erratically. During the stop, Sergeant Butler called for backup for a possible DUI. The first officer on the scene observed the suspect vehicle speeding away and Sergeant Butler lying on the ground. CPR was started, but the officer was unable to revive him.

The suspect was found dead in a dormitory common area at approximately 7:00 am from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sergeant Butler was assigned to the 95th Security Forces Squadron. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location California
Weapon Handgun
Offender Committed suicide

vehicle stop

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My heartfelt condolences to the family of TSgt Butler. I was there at the Stripes lounge that terrible night and was a good friend of the other victim Darrick Moore. I'll never forget being in the Security Forces building that night/morning and hearing the news. This was truly a tragedy and a horrific crime. I often think of the events and know that I will never forget TSgt Butler.

SSgt William Reed
Former AFRL (Phillips Laboratory)

March 24, 2025