This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Hollywood Freeway section dedicated to slain sheriff's deputy Juan Escalante
The widow of slain county sheriff's officer Juan Escalante looks on at a memorial ceremony for her husband who lost his life when he was shot by a gang member outside his home in 2008.
(
Grant Slater/KPCC
)
Listen
Hollywood Freeway section dedicated to slain sheriff's deputy Juan Escalante
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca Tuesday dedicated a section of the Hollywood Freeway in honor of Deputy Juan Abel Escalante. Three years ago, a group of gang members confronted Escalante outside his Cypress Park home as he prepared to head to work at the downtown jail. Police say that when Escalante identified himself as a sheriff’s deputy and pulled his gun, they shot and killed him. He was 27.
“We must honor those who give their lives in this profession called public safety," Baca said. He called Escalante, who’d worked at the department for about three years, a "hero."
Escalante's wife, three children, mother and father attended the ceremony outside Men's Central Jail in downtown L.A. where Escalante worked. The section of the 101 Freeway dedicated to him is nearby.
“He loved his kids. His kids were his number one," Celeste Escalante, his wife, said. "I fight every day for them and they go to school every day and they do good. I’m raising them to how he wanted them to be raised.”
Celeste Escalante heard the gunshots that killed her husband, and cradled him as he lay mortally wounded outside their home. She is stoic about it all.
“I’m OK. I have to be OK for my kids.”
They include Alexander, 13, Marissa, 11, and Julian, 6.
Sponsored message
Police say three suspects await trial in the deputy’s murder, and one remains at large.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
