William Robert Hunter was a 26-year-old deputy with the Butte County Sheriff’s Department who was killed on July 26, 2001, in Inskip, California. Hunter and Lieutenant Larry Estes went to a dimly lit cabin after a neighbor reported that Richard Bracklow had threatened someone and stolen a firearm. Hunter took the original report and requested backup; Estes, nearby, went to assist.

As they entered the cabin the officers were ambushed. Bracklow fired a 9mm Glock; Hunter, leading the pair, was shot three times in the head and died instantly. Estes was also struck but returned fire, fatally wounding Bracklow before he died from his wounds. All three men were dead at the scene. The two officers radioed dispatch shortly after 6 p.m. indicating they were going to make contact — their last transmission.

Nearly 4,000 law enforcement and fire officials attended the funeral services, and state leaders spoke in tribute. Does anyone have photos, memories, or additional factual details about the events that evening or the officers’ service histories to share?