Lanny "Skip" Stevenson, a 25-year-old officer with the Fresno Police Department, tragically lost his life on December 8, 1979. Officer Stevenson was off-duty at the time of his death, attending a party at 1228 P Street in Fresno, California. The incident that led to his death began when Stevenson intervened in an escalating argument between another off-duty officer and a man at the party.
As Stevenson and the other officer were leaving the party, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Stevenson.
The suspect, who was also 25 years old, was apprehended four hours after the shooting. He was subsequently charged with murder. The legal proceedings culminated on June 26, 1980, when the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years to life in prison. This conviction brought some measure of justice for the tragic loss of Officer Stevenson, who had only served with the Fresno Police Department for six months at the time of his death.
Officer Stevenson's death was a significant loss to his family and the community. He was survived by his son, father, mother, brother, and sister. The incident not only highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, even when off-duty, but also underscored the impact of such tragedies on the families and communities they serve. The Fresno Police Department and the broader law enforcement community continue to honor his memory and service.
