Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed in Jurupa Valley; Suspect dead after pursuit
A Riverside County Sheriff's deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley Thursday afternoon.
The deputy was rushed to Riverside Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The deputy was identified as Deputy Isaiah Cordero, 32.
"He was naturally drawn to law enforcement and certainly embodied our motto of 'Service Above Self,'" Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a news conference Thursday night. "He was a jokester around the station and all of our deputies considered him their little brother."
Cordero has worked for the department since May 5, 2014. He has been assigned to the Robert Presley Detention Center. He also spent time at the Larry Smith Correctional Center and the Indio jail.
He was promoted to a Sheriff's deputy in February 2018. He was most recently assigned to the Jurupa Valley Sheriff's Station.
With heavy hearts, we announce the devastating death of Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon. Our Department would like thank the community and our allied agencies for the outpouring show of support during this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/69ijtQsf1f
— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) December 30, 2022
He completed motor school in Sept. 2022 and was working motorcycle enforcement.
"His goal from the day he was hired was to become a motor deputy," Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a news conference.
RSA Statement on The Murder of Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy in Jurupa Valley:
"The Riverside Sheriff's Association (RSA) issued the following statement regarding the murder of a Riverside County sheriff's deputy in Jurupa Valley, according to a person briefed on the incident.
We are devastated by the grief of losing Deputy Isaiah Cordero, a deputy who was a ray of sunshine in the Riverside Sheriff's Department, a person who was dedicated to protecting others. Once again, we face a tragic reminder of the selflessness and unwavering courage required of peace officers and their families.
Deputy Cordero put on his uniform daily to make a difference in his community and keep families safe. Deputy Cordero's death leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of so many people who had the chance to know him personally. Today, Deputy Cordero made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty — a debt that can never be repaid. We must honor his memory and life of public service through our words and actions. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and fellow deputies through this difficult time."
The Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation started a "Help A Hero" page, on which people can make donations to the Cordero family.
Donations can be made at: https://helpahero.com/campaign/deputy-isaiah-cordero
According to the Sheriff's Dept., the shooting happened just before 2 p.m. during a traffic stop.
KABC's Leticia Juarez reports law enforcement was pursuing a suspect on the WB 60.
#Breaking @Rso pursing suspect involved in deputy shooting. It appears the suspect vehicle lost a tire. #Pursuit pic.twitter.com/U5vtnROB5B
— Leticia Juarez (@ABC7Leticia) December 29, 2022
The pursuit ended in a crash on Interstate 15 in the Norco area. Bianco said at the end of the pursuit the suspect crashed. The suspect then fired rounds at law enforcement who returned fire, killing him.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco identified the suspect as William Shea McKay, 44, of San Bernadino County.
Bianco said McKay had an extensive criminal history dating back to before 2000, with arrests for kidnapping, robbery, and assaults with a deadly weapon, including the stabbing of a California Highway Patrol K-9.
McKay was convicted of his third strike offense in Nov. 2021 for kidnapping, which Bianco said should have put him away from 25 years to life, however, a judge lowered his bail, allowing him to be released. McKay was later arrested for failing to appear in court, and additional charges, however, a San Bernardino County judge released him again.
"We would not be here today if the judge had done her job," Bianco said.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office released a statement on McKay:
On December 29, 2022, William Shea McKay was identified as the shooter that killed Deputy Isaiah Cordero with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted McKay, who was convicted of his third strike in November 2021. Despite our requests at that time to set bail at No Bail, his bail was reduced by the judge to $500,000, and his sentencing was continued. McKay posted bail in March of 2022, and unfortunately in July was granted another continuance for sentencing, which our Office also objected. Lastly, McKay failed to appear to his sentencing in October 2022 and was issued a bench warrant.
“Our Office is saddened to learn of the death of Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Cordero,” says District Attorney Jason Anderson. “Our Office upheld our oath of pursuing justice by prosecuting convicted felon McKay in November of 2021, however a failure in the process to separate McKay from society and hold him accountable for his crimes has resulted in the tragic loss of a law enforcement deputy. Our prayers are with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and particularly the family and loved ones of Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who paid the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the safety of his community.”
Local first responder agencies and leaders sent out their condolences to the Sheriff's Department for their loss:
On behalf of everyone at the Cathedral City Police Department, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for the loss of their deputy this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/6ipRVHilcG
— CathedralCity PD (@CathedralCityPD) December 30, 2022
My heart goes out to Deputy Cordero’s family and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in this time of tragedy. May he rest in peace and may we find strength in our community.https://t.co/NO7lVfWtIA
— Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (@RepRaulRuizMD) December 30, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to our partners at Riverside County Sheriff on the tragic and terrible loss of their Deputy. We stand with you in your grief. pic.twitter.com/ORLCy0zxbe
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) December 30, 2022
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
