By Kim Minugh and Andy Furillo
The Sacramento Bee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A correctional officer in full uniform was shot to death in his south Sacramento garage as he prepared for work Wednesday morning – a brazen crime that reverberated across the state.
Sacramento police described Steve Lo’s slaying as an “extremely disturbing crime.” A corrections official lamented “a great loss.” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff.
“We are forever grateful for Officer Steve Lo’s dedication to serving our state,” the governor said in a news release. “His commitment will never be forgotten.”
Lo, 39, was readying to leave for his shift at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville just before 5 a.m. when he was shot in the garage of his home on the 8400 block of Tambor Way, said Sacramento police spokesman Sgt. Matt Young.
Lo was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Police released no motive for the killing, but Young said that, among other possibilities, detectives were investigating whether Lo’s work played a role in his death.
“Obviously, this is extremely serious, and this is an extremely disturbing crime,” Young said. “Anything’s possible. Until we get further along in the investigation, we’re keeping all possibilities on the table.”
No arrests had been made by Wednesday evening and no suspect descriptions had been released.
Crime scene tape kept the scene cordoned off late in the afternoon. Tambor Way, just west of Highway 99 and north of Elk Grove city limits, is lined with newer two-story homes with small but well-kept front lawns.
Attempts by The Bee to reach Lo’s family were unsuccessful.
A husband and father of five, Lo had been a correctional officer for about three years and had been assigned to the California Medical Facility since March 2006, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
He began working for the department in November 2005, said spokeswoman Terry Thornton.
She declined to say whether officials believe Lo was targeted because of his profession.
Thornton acknowledged a possible connection is being investigated, but added, “I’m not going to elaborate on anything.”
Lance Corcoran, spokesman for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, was more direct.
“Obviously, being in full uniform, there was no mistaking that Officer Lo was a peace officer in California and we believe he was murdered because of his service to the citizens of California,” he said.
“Oftentimes, gang members achieve status within their particular gang by murdering not just a citizen, but a peace officer.”
However, Corcoran said he had no evidence that Lo’s death had anything to do with his job or any former inmates with whom he may have had a problem.
Police said they do not yet know if the killing was gang-related.
In a written statement, corrections Secretary Matthew Cate described the shooting as a “heinous act.”
“Officer Lo was a well-respected, professional officer who carried out his duties with diligence and humanity,” Cate said in the statement.
“His death is a great loss to his family as well as his friends and co-workers at California Medical Facility and at CDCR.”
Corrections officials are assisting Sacramento police in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (443-4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
The correctional officers union also has announced a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Lo’s killer.
Copyright 2008 Sacramento Bee