Reserve Deputy Sheriff Constance Ellen Worland, 39, died on May 2, 1981, in Scottsdale Estates, Carson, California, after being struck by a shotgun fired during a response to a man-with-a-gun call. Worland and her partner, Deputy Phillip James Strenkowski, arrived at the scene; Worland exited the patrol vehicle with her service revolver drawn while Strenkowski retrieved a shotgun from the vehicle. The shotgun discharged, striking Worland in the back. She was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, underwent surgery, and died of massive internal bleeding.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicide bureau investigated and concluded the shooting was accidental. Simulations and recreations showed the shotgun discharged when it struck the steering column as it was being removed from the vehicle; Strenkowski was not charged. Worland is recorded as the first known female reserve officer in the United States to die in the line of duty.

If anyone knew Constance Worland or has additional factual details about the incident, please share what is known.