Deputy Sheriff Brian E. Meilbeck, Yuba County Sheriff's Department, California

Deputy Sheriff Brian E. Meilbeck

Yuba County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, April 1, 1997

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Brian E. Meilbeck

Deputy Sheriff Brian Meilbeck was shot and killed after he and two other deputies had responded to a domestic disturbance call in which a man shot his brother in the leg.

As the deputies approached, the suspect fired once through the window, striking Deputy Meilbeck in his chest, just above his vest. He was pronounced dead upon arriving at a nearby hospital.

The suspect was arrested about 20 minutes later after a standoff in which more shots were fired. The suspect was found guilty of second-degree murder in the fall of 1998. He was denied parole in 2023 and will be eligible for parole in May 2028.

Deputy Meilbeck had only served with the Yuba County Sheriff's Department for 7 weeks. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old son.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 month, 2 weeks
Badge 550

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Found guilty

convicted felon, domestic, weapons violation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Well, 27 years and a couple of excellent therapists later, I am finally ready to post a reflection. Brian was my big brother and best friend. He was there for me through everything for my entire life. We had endless stories of our childhood escapades. Mostly, they are too painful to try to remember. When Brian died, I shut down in a way. I tried to put it all out of my mind. Life didn’t seem very fun anymore.

To the firefighter who posted, thank you. You are all very brave and risked your lives. Your story horrifies me but it also makes me feel better in a way. You make me feel loved. You tried to save him and to save his family from loss. You cared. Again, thank you.

Natalie, if you are interested in contacting me, I am open to that.

I am finally doing better but it is hard. So hard.

Angel (Meilbeck) Angel
Brian’s Sister

October 27, 2024