Daniel Gene Walters was 53 when he died on April 23, 2020, from complications of injuries he suffered in the line of duty on November 12, 2003. A San Diego Police Department officer and former professional baseball player, Walters and his partner were providing backup during a traffic stop involving a domestic violence suspect when the suspect shot Walters in the neck with a .357 handgun. After being shot, Walters fell into the street and was struck by a passing vehicle, sustaining severe injuries including two crushed cervical vertebrae.

Walters remained paralyzed from the neck down despite extensive rehabilitation and medical care. The suspect who shot him was immediately shot and killed by Walters’ partner at the scene; no other arrests or suspects were involved. His death was attributed to complications from the 2003 injuries, and no additional murder investigations were opened in connection with his death.

Does anyone have memories of Walters’ time with the department or details about how the community marked his service?