Trooper James E. Saunders, Washington State Patrol, Washington

Trooper James E. Saunders

Washington State Patrol, Washington

End of Watch Thursday, October 7, 1999

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James E. Saunders

Trooper James Saunders was shot and killed while making a traffic stop near the intersection of South Road 28 & W Lewis Street in Pasco, Washington.

He had radioed into dispatchers with a description of the pickup truck and the license plate. Within one minute of his initial call, a citizen used Trooper Saunders' radio to notify dispatchers that he had been shot. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect was arrested the following day after officers conducted surveillance on several different locations, looking for the owner of the truck. The man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

Trooper Saunders had served with the Washington State Patrol for nine years. He was survived by his expectant wife and 2-year-old daughter.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 9 years
Badge 1053

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Trooper Saunders I came up on your Memorial bench near HWY 2 while visiting Leavenworth Washington this past week. I stopped to take a moment to thank you for your dedicated service, and think about your family. I want them to know their loved one is never forgotten and they are not alone in understanding this heartwrenching loss as I too lost my son in the line of duty. Respect Honor Remember

G. Anne Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011 Fond du Lac PD

January 15, 2025