Michael J. Estrada

How they died

Deadly force

Police responded to Michael Estrada's home after Estrada was seen on his front lawn with a knife. After officers asked him to drop the knife, Estrada went inside. Because no one else was in the house with Estrada, police said, he wasn't considered a threat. Officers left and set up surveillance nearby. Less than 10 minutes later, Estrada reportedly left his house holding two knives and climbed a fence into a neighbor's backyard. With their weapons drawn, Cpls. James Howell and John Martin approached Estrada and tried to get him to drop the knives, but he refused, police said. The officers backed onto the street. As Estrada got to the curb, he allegedly lunged at the officers. Martin shot Estrada in the knee, and Howell shot him twice in the back. Estrada was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Michael J. Estrada, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources