Deputy David March, a resident of Saugus, was killed in the line of duty 20 years ago after serving seven years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, (LASD).

Deputy David March, who has a Santa Clarita park named in his honor, was shot during a traffic stop in Irwindale at the age of 33, on April 29, 2002. 

He is survived by his wife and stepdaughter.

“The suspect had stated to friends that he wanted to kill a police officer during a traffic stop,” according to Sheriff’s officials in a social media post. “The suspect intentionally got stopped and waited for Deputy March to get in front of his patrol car so he could open fire, as Deputy March would have no place to take cover. Deputy March was shot several times in the head and chest.”

The suspect, who was identified shortly after the shooting, fled to Mexico, where he remained for 4 years, Sheriff’s officials said.

On Feb. 23, 2006, the suspect was arrested in Mexico by U.S. Marshals and Mexican federal agents following a joint investigation. He was extradited back to California, and on March 2, 2007, he pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

March had served with the LASD for seven years. He graduated from LASD Class No. 290, and his last unit of assignment was Temple Sheriff’s Station, working in a patrol car as Unit 57.

On this day each year, Temple Sheriff’s deputies stand watch for 24 hours at the scene of his memorial to honor Deputy March.

“Deputy March, until we meet again,” Sheriff’s officials said. “We will continue to remember you and keep you and your family in our prayers, and hopefully, we can make a difference in people’s lives.”

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