Deputy Sheriff Lawrence "Mike" Lavieri, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

Deputy Sheriff Lawrence "Mike" Lavieri

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, March 19, 1983

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Lawrence "Mike" Lavieri

Deputy Sheriff Mike Lavieri was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a gas station to investigate a suspicious person.

Deputy Lavieri located the man inside a stolen car and began to question him. During the questioning, the suspect opened fire, wounding Deputy Lavieri's partner. Deputy Lavieri then chased the suspect into a home a half-block away, where the two exchanged shots. Deputy Lavieri was seriously wounded in the exchange, with a gunshot to the face. Deputy Lavieri was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds. His partner, seriously wounded, recovered.

The suspect was taken into custody after a mob of angry citizens restrained him. The man, 35, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years to life.

Deputy Lavieri was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 16 years. He was survived by his father, mother, sister, and girlfriend.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 16 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

suspicious person, stolen vehicle

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Doug and Brian Smith, I followed Lionel Henry’s parole hearings and was so relieved when Gov Brown overrode the last parole decision. And five years ago when Henry died - so many emotions, one being gratitude that the State of California let me know. Doug, I have never known what to say to you, but I have kept you in prayer. 41 years ago today and the tears still come. I am the last person alive who calls him Mickey, there are only three of us left who shares the same grandparents but the other two never knew him. My/our grandfather loved Mickey so much and as along as I live, I will continue with that love, for my cousin, and those who were a part of his life and the good people in his death.

J: and for you always: thanks and much love and appreciation.

Rev R Vincent Lavieri
Cousin

March 19, 2024