Deputy Gene Luther died on April 25, 1980.  Deputy Luther was leaving a North area restaurant at approximately 10 p.m. when he was confronted by an armed subject as he was getting into his car.  The man demanded money from Deputy Luther.  Deputy Luther reached for a small handgun he was carrying, but before he could fire the suspect shot him.  Deputy Luther was able to return fire and it is believed he may have struck the suspect.  Deputy Luther died at the scene. 

Despite and intensive investigation of this tragic incident, no one has ever been arrested for the murder of Deputy Luther. 

Deputy Eugene Luther is buried at the Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery on Riverside Boulevard.  Members of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will place flowers at the grave site today as a tribute to the dedication and service Deputy Luther gave to the citizens of Sacramento County. 

Be careful out there.