Nicholas Paul Cecchetti was a 27-year-old Stockton Police Department officer who was killed on August 3, 1978, while serving a narcotics search warrant. He was entering the rear door of a suspect’s home when the suspect tried to flee; Officer Cecchetti stumbled on the steps, fell forward, and the suspect fired a single shot from a .357 caliber handgun. The bullet struck him near the collarbone, traveled downward into his heart, and caused almost immediate death.

The suspect, a 23-year-old man, was arrested shortly after the shooting, charged with first-degree murder, and tried in Fresno County after a change of venue. On October 15, 1979, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Officer Cecchetti’s funeral at the Cathedral of the Annunciation drew over 1,200 mourners; he was survived by his wife Cathy, sons Nicholas Jr. and Brandon, brother Michael, sister Julianne, and parents Julio and Meredyth Cecchetti. His name is listed among California’s fallen officers.

If anyone knew Officer Cecchetti or has additional information about that night, please share what is known.