Paul Lawrence Verna was a 35-year-old motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department who was killed on June 2, 1983. He was conducting a routine traffic stop when two armed robbery suspects confronted him; one fired a single shot, then passed the revolver to the second suspect, who fired five more times. Verna died at the scene.

Verna was a decorated officer noted for rescuing two boys from a burning building and was remembered for his bravery. The investigation produced quick arrests: the next day two 26-year-old men and two 25-year-old women were taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses including murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. On October 2, 1985, both male defendants were sentenced to death.

The shooting deeply affected the Los Angeles community and law enforcement; thousands attended his funeral. Verna left two sons who later became LAPD officers. Does anyone have memories of Officer Verna or information about the case to share?