Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This execution style murder is as cold blooded as it can be, and this calls for the Death Penalty to be imposed here in California. I lost a deputy sheriff partner during a narcotics warrant in 1978 and Gascon tried to release him even though the suspect was sentenced to death. Please take the time to oppose his release or any commutation of their sentences.

Bobby Esquivel retired deputy
LASD

June 28, 2025

Rest in peace Deputy Shayne York
May God grant your family peace and understanding the violent way Shayne was taken not only from you but our Department as well.

I Remember this nite as I responded from Norwalk Station to the hair salon as well as to the freeway section in Fullerton some hours later. I rejoiced that these putrid sludge subhumans were quickly apprehended.

I totally agree both subhumans should not ever see the light of day
God bless you my brother, taken from us by a violent act of savagery

Rafael Estrada, Sergeant Retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

June 25, 2025

Shane, I remember the pain I felt the day you were senselessly taken from by those cowards. Your legacy lived and lives on through all of us who fought and still fighting the good fight of Justice to ensure those in Los Angeles county to everyone safe. Rest well brother In God’s Eternal Peace

Det. Christopher Keeling (Ret)
LASD

June 25, 2025

In August of 1997 I was assigned to the LASD Training Bureau, specifically “Laser Village”. This was the unit that taught officer survival and tactics to recruits as well as other law enforcement agencies. I distinctly remember Deputy Sheriff Shane York’s murder case which our unit taught specifically for training in tactics and survival. Deputy York’s case was taught to hundreds of police officers at that time.

If my memory is correct, I remember that he had been assigned to the jail facility at Wayside Honor Rancho and his fellow deputies had built a gym at the complex in honor of Shane. He was very loved by his fellow deputies.

I have often thought of him throughout the years and have a heavy heart over such a violent and cruel act by evildoers.

I hope that his fiancée and family members are doing well and I want them to know how much Shane has been thought about over the years by so many.

Retired Lieutenant Thomas Shannon
LASD Class 175

June 25, 2025

Evil crime, cool blooded murder of a know deputy sheriff. An execution !

Sgt. Robert Wachsmuth
Fellow deputy sheriff

June 25, 2025

You have never been forgotten Dep. York. I will keep you and Jennifer in my prayers.

Sgt. RT Amelia Centers
LASD CLASS 166

June 25, 2025

Ruthless killers should serve the whole sentence they were given, period. Please enforce the laws as they were written. This poor Deputy never had a chance. It was a brutal murder.

Lt Edward Chenal (Retired)
Los Angeles County Sheriff

June 25, 2025

Rest in Peace Deputy Shayne York. You will never be forgotten. A promising career cut short. I hope the family is all doing well.

Recruit Adam Martinez
LASD CLASS 481

February 14, 2025

Hello Sir,

Thank you for your service. Your story reminds me that law enforcement is a calling that goes beyond just a job. Your courage and selflessness in your last moments inspire me to serve others even at the ultimate cost.

Timothy Kim
Glendale Police Department

January 10, 2025

Your tragic story really left an impression on me. You are not forgotten Sir. Thank you for all you did.

Recruit Rojas Anthony
Class #481

January 9, 2025

Today marks 27 years you have been on the other side of the vail, you are missed today as much as you were missed at the beginning, love Son.
Your Dad

Daniel York
LASD Retired

August 16, 2024

Years ago I visited the Orange Co. Sheriff's Academy and saw a memorial plaque for Deputy Shayne York. Having been a LASD deputy I took a picture of the plaque with the intent to look up the circumstances of his death, which I did not do until today.

It is true that the memory of those law enforcement hero's that have paid the ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten, and this is the case for Deputy York. To his family, co-workers, and friends know that the community and our nation are better because of those like Deputy York who serve and protect its citizens.

Sgt. James Mair (Ret.)
Los Angeles Sheriff Dept- Denver Police Dept

November 29, 2022

Sir - I was a prior Law Enforcement officer working at Knott's Berry Farm as a Security Officer on mobile (vehicle) patrol that night. I was a block away when we got the call to assist BPPD - learning later I was but a couple of blocks away when the actual incident took place. Although I was not armed, it did not matter, I, along with other KBF Officers assisted in searching our perimeter and parking lots all night -- hoping to find the person or persons responsible. I watched as your ambulance jetted away down LaPalma escorted by squads. I want you, your Department, your then fiancée, and your family to know that I still think about that night. I have visited your plaque in Station 23's lobby. That night, some of us were so close, yet so far away... if only.... Godspeed sir.

John Escobar prior WI Game Warden
Civilian now

December 8, 2021

Thinking of you today my friend. Hard to believe it’s been 24 years since you were taken from us. Never will forget you brother.

DK
LASD

August 14, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 16, 2020

Shayne,
I often think about the last time I spoke to you when I came in on PM shift to relieve you that day. We said a few silly jokes and our goodbyes, as you were off to more important things that weekend. I still remember you walking down the ramp. I will never forget you or the feeling I had when I heard the terrible news. I was lucky to have known you. I take comfort knowing you are still watching over us.

Friend
LASD/PDC-East

November 7, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff York.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 31, 2019

To the loved one of Deputy Sheriff Shane Daniel York I am sorry for your loss. I’m sure to this day you wish you could have your loved one back with you for the next Thanksgiving or the next Christmas, or the next birthday, or maybe just another day of life around someone that’s willing to give all of himself in the protection of others. Deputy York you are gone but not forgotten. Your story took me away as something like this could happen to any law enforcement or military member just getting a hair cut to make sure they look presentable and professional. Thank you for your service

DST Diaz
LASD

April 4, 2019

Shayne, I did not know you but I can never forget the tragic incident that took your life. I have been a Los Angeles Police Officer for over 29 years and I can't help but think about you when I am off duty. Your death has been a touchstone for many in law enforcement and though your sacrifice, you have saved the lives of many fellow cops. You are there to remind us that we should always be vigilant both on and off duty. I pray that your family and friends are comforted and that they will see you again in the Kingdom of Heaven. God bless you and God bless the LASD.

Sergeant R. Alvarez #26529
Los Angeles Police Department

September 18, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 21st anniversary of your EOW.

The cold blooded scum that took your life needs to pay with his.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 16, 2018

"Kindness to your enemies is cruelty to yourself." In this case, kindness to a cold-hearted murderer is cruelty to the entire society. Kindness should only be given to those who are worthy. Andre Willis was sentenced for his calculated execution of Deputy York who represented the law and order of the land. By commuting Willis's sentencing, it unjustly favored the wrongdoer, which is never the intent of our justice system, and it sets precedents for criminals who are in similar roles to get away with cold-blooded murder.

Criminal laws were created for the purpose of retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation. Commuting Willis certainly won't serve the purpose of retribution since he murdered Deputy York, it should be up to Deputy York's family whether Willis should receive the commutation. Deterrence is uncertain since it will be based off rehabilitation. If there's no hard evidence showing Willis is rehabilitated, then there's certainly no guarantee that Willis will not murder again. Incapacitation, in case of an execution style murder, is only achieved by forever removing the criminal from the society by either death penalty or life imprisonment.

Commuting Willis's sentencing is not only unjust to Deputy York and his family, but also it's a danger to the entire society. Whatever reasons Willis is using for his request can be duplicated again if his request is granted. This would become a dangerous precedent that puts many innocent lives at stake. Willis's request must be denied and the floodgate shall never be opened.

Det. X/A
LASD

June 12, 2018

I grew up with Shane York and outstanding young man he turned out to be. His life was taken suddenly by a callous and vicious attack perpetrated on him for no other reason than his representation of law and order.

I can say that this was a true loss to his friends and family. A loss which will remain a void in the very people who knew him.

These murders were sentenced and the sentence should remain as the death sentence will never be commutative for Officer York RiP hero.

Laura DaLessio
Childhood friend, in memory of a hero

May 24, 2018

Governor Jerry Brown
ATTENTION: Legal Affairs
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Commutation Request by Andre Willis, Inmate #T20308

I urge you to NOT commute the sentence of the above inmate, Andre Willis. His crime was not drug related, it was murder by execution and that because he was a police officer. The victim was Shayne York, a Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff who was off-duty and with his fiancée as they made a stop at a local hair salon Buena Park.

The lack of remorse, then and now, are an incredible statement of the inhumanity of Andre Willis. The public would not be served in any fashion by the release of this inmate. As a Californian, a taxpayer, a former deputy sheriff, a supportive voter and citizen, I am asking you to please deny this request.

Paula Fernandez, former Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

May 23, 2018

I can't believe a commutation would even be considered!!

James R Ellison
Deputy Sheriff, Lasd, Retired

May 23, 2018

The man you are about to release was not the "victim" of unjust narcotic sentencing, he is a convicted robbery/murder suspect. The crime for which he was convicted resulted in the assassination/murder of Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Shayne York. I'm sure in your "Progressive" heart you can find someone in the Penal System that may actually be deserving of a commutation of their sentence.

Detective Rod Shanks, Retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff

May 22, 2018