In loving memory of Officer Elizabeth Butler

Santa Cruz Police Department

End of Watch: 2/26/2013

Santa Cruz Police Detective Elizabeth Butler, 38, and another officer (Baker) were shot and killed February 26, 2013 while investigating a sexual assault. One suspect was also killed.

The first shooting, involving the officers, occurred at a house on the 800 block of North Branciforte Avenue about 3:30 p.m. Santa Cruz police were investigating a sexual assault when the suspect fired at them, hitting Detective Butler and Sgt Loren Baker. The officers were found dead outside the house.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, launched a countywide manhunt and the sheriff’s office took over the investigation. A second shooting, involving the suspect, Jeremy Goulet, occurred on nearby Doyle Street about 30 minutes later. A gun battle erupted in the streets about a mile from a boardwalk popular with tourists. A fire engine was peppered with bullets. Firefighters ran to shield civilians who happened to be in the streets. A barrage of gunfire from law enforcement and Goulet followed. Goulet was killed at the scene.

The deaths of these two officers are the first in the history of the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Detective Butler was a 10-year veteran of the department and leaves behind her partner, Peter, and two young sons ages 5 and 1.