Deputy Sheriff Richard Robert McHale, aged 33, tragically lost his life on March 2, 1989, in Oildale, California. McHale was responding to a family disturbance call at 303 Decatur Street around 6 PM when he was attacked by a mentally ill suspect. The suspect, identified as Jerry Lee Twyman Jr., 26, assaulted Deputy McHale with his baton and subsequently shot him with his own service weapon. The confrontation occurred in a crowded living room, where Twyman managed to gain control of McHale's 9mm semiautomatic handgun and shot him in the head. Following the attack, Twyman committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Deputy McHale was immediately transported to Kern Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following afternoon.
The incident marked a significant and sorrowful moment for the Kern County Sheriff's Office, as McHale became the first deputy sheriff in nearly two decades to be shot to death in the line of duty. The call that led to this tragic event was the third one made that day regarding Twyman's erratic behavior. Earlier calls had reported him throwing furniture and clothing out of the house and yelling obscenities. Despite the severity of the situation, McHale initially responded alone, calling for backup only en route to the scene. The backup unit, however, was several miles away, and by the time it arrived, the fatal confrontation had already occurred.
Twyman had a history of minor legal troubles, including a brief stint in the San Luis Obispo County Jail in January 1988 for various misdemeanor offenses. However, he had no significant criminal record in Kern County. The investigation into McHale's death revealed that Twyman's mental health issues played a crucial role in the tragic outcome. The Sheriff's Department conducted a thorough analysis of the physical evidence at the scene, which confirmed the struggle between McHale and Twyman and the subsequent use of McHale's service weapon against him.
Deputy McHale's death had a profound impact on the local law enforcement community and the residents of Kern County. He was remembered as a dedicated officer and a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served with the Kern County Sheriff's Office for seven years. His passing was mourned by his family, colleagues, and the broader community, highlighting the inherent risks and sacrifices associated with law enforcement duties.
