Robert Chadwick Wheeler, a 42-year-old officer with the San Pablo Police Department, tragically lost his life on August 4, 1977. Officer Wheeler was responding to a silent alarm at Musselman's jewelry store, located at 1615 23rd Street, around noon. The store had a history of sending out false alarms, which may have contributed to the initial perception of the situation. However, upon entering the store, Officer Wheeler was met with a deadly confrontation.
He was shot by two men who were in the process of committing a robbery. The weapon used in the fatal shooting was a .38 caliber handgun.
Following the incident, one of the suspects was apprehended in the vicinity shortly after the shooting. Despite being arrested, the suspect refused to divulge the identity of his accomplice, who managed to evade capture and was never apprehended. The arrested suspect, who was 26 years old at the time, was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Over the years, he has consistently refused to reveal the name of his accomplice, even during parole hearings. In 2010, he was denied parole for the 16th time and remained incarcerated as of 2015.
Officer Wheeler's death was a significant loss to the San Pablo community and the police department. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served during the Korean War, and had dedicated 18 years of his life to law enforcement. He was survived by his wife and two sons, who were left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father. The case remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the enduring impact of their service and sacrifice.
