Kimberly Sue Tonahill, a 24-year-old officer with the San Diego Police Department, tragically lost her life on September 14, 1984. On that fateful night, she and her partner, Officer Timothy J. Ruopp, were conducting a routine patrol in Balboa Park when they encountered a vehicle with two men and two underage girls. The officers decided to issue a citation for contributing to the delinquency of minors.
During the process, Officer Tonahill was tasked with patting down one of the men, Joselito Cinco. Unbeknownst to the officers, Cinco was armed and had vowed never to return to jail. As Officer Tonahill began the search, Cinco suddenly pushed her away, drew a handgun, and shot her at point-blank range. The first bullet struck her in a vulnerable spot between the gap of her bulletproof vest and her armpit. Cinco continued to fire multiple shots into her as she fell to the ground.
Officer Ruopp, who was nearby, was also targeted by Cinco. Before Ruopp could react, Cinco shot him in the head, causing him to collapse. Witnesses reported that Cinco then walked over to the fallen officers and fired additional shots into their bodies, ensuring they were dead. After the brutal attack, Cinco forced the two terrified girls into the patrol car and fled the scene. The incident shocked the community and marked a somber moment in the history of the San Diego Police Department, as Officer Tonahill became the first woman in the department to die in the line of duty.
The investigation into the murders of Officers Tonahill and Ruopp led to the swift identification and arrest of Joselito Cinco. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. During his trial, it was revealed that Cinco had multiple outstanding warrants and had been determined to avoid capture at any cost. The court found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death for his heinous crimes. While on death row at San Quentin State Prison, Cinco ultimately took his own life, hanging himself several years after the murders.
The deaths of Kimberly Sue Tonahill and Timothy J. Ruopp left a lasting impact on the San Diego community and the police department. Their sacrifice is remembered and honored through various memorials and tributes, ensuring that their bravery and dedication to duty are never forgotten. The case also highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and underscored the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the line of duty.
