Officer James E. Maroney, California Highway Patrol, California

Officer James E. Maroney

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Friday, May 27, 1955

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James E. Maroney

Officer James Maroney was shot and killed while assisting Modoc County deputies in the arrest of an ex-convict in Alturas.

Two days earlier the suspect had been released from the Oregon State Penitentiary where he had served a sentence for rape. When his victim reported that he was at her home, Officer Maroney responded there with deputies. As officers approached, the suspect opened fire with a rifle. Officer Maroney ducked behind a power pole, but was hit by a bullet that went through the pole, killing him instantly. The suspect then shot and killed himself.

Officer Maroney was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served with the California Highway Patrol for three years and previously served with the Oakland Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Committed suicide

convicted felon, parolee

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My name is Kathleen Midgley. About ten years ago, I discovered through Ancestry.com that James Edwards Maroney was my biological father. I reached out to his daughter, Patty, hoping to learn more about him, but she was only able to provide his date of death.

If you or anyone else has any information about his birthdate, place of birth, or any other details that could help me conduct a more complete search on Ancestry, I would be truly grateful.

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Thank you for your time and any help you can offer.

—Kathleen Midgley

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Kathleen Midgley
Daughter

June 18, 2025