Officer Richard D. Duvall, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Richard D. Duvall

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Tuesday, February 23, 1960

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Richard D. Duvall

Officer Richard Duvall was shot and killed while making a traffic stop. Unbeknownst to Officer Duvall the driver was an escaped convict who had just robbed a market. As he approached the vehicle the suspect opened fire. The suspect was captured six days later after a gunfight with San Luis Obispo County deputies at a Shell Beach motel.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and executed in San Quentin's gas chamber on November 3, 1961. He was suspected to have had an accomplice, but they were never found.

Officer Duvall's death resulted in the agency requiring two officers to ride together during the midnight shift. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 2 years
Badge 2683

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
Offender Executed in 1961

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I knew Dick when we served as Reservists in USMC VMF141 squadron at the Alameda Naval Air Station in 1952. Following active duty we both attended Armstrong College in Berkeley after which he joined the CHP.
By the time he was killed I had two of my three children who are now retired and I am 88 years old. I think of Dick often and mourn the fact his life was cut so short. Over the years I have met CHP officers who knew Dick and remember him as a fine officer. I remember him as a good friend and a fellow Marine. RIP my friend.
Semper Fi
Bill Johnston

Cpl William Johnston
USMC & Armstrong College

October 9, 2021