Police Officer David John Branhan, Oakland Police Department, California

Police Officer David John Branhan

Oakland Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, February 7, 1974

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David John Branhan

Police Officer Dave Branhan and Police Officer David Marks were shot and killed while responding to a call at Madison Junior High School at 300 Capistrano Drive.

The officers had been dispatched to a middle school on a call that a disorderly person was fighting with staff on the school grounds. When the officers arrived, they located the man and took him to a conference room. The man began to struggle with the two officers, gained control of Officer Marks' service weapon, and shot them both. The man was apprehended at a nearby apartment building after he was shot and wounded by other officers.

The subject was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive terms of 15 years to life on May 29th, 1975.

Officer Branhan was a United States Navy Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Oakland Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

disorderly

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Officer Branhan,
On today, the 50th 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. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 7, 2024