National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Master Police Officer

Memorial Panel: 28-E: 22

Department: Des Moines, Washington, P.D.

End of Watch: March 7, 2001

Cause: SHOT

Age: 33

Years of Service: 6

Description: <P><FONT face="'Tahoma','sans-serif'" size=2><FONT face="'Tahoma','sans-serif'" size=2>Officer Steven Underwood was shot and killed while questioning four juvenile suspects he had stopped while they were walking along Pacific Highway.</FONT><BR><BR>Officer Underwood had requested backup and stated he recognized one of the suspects as a wanted felon. When additional units arrived, they found him with critical gunshot wounds to the abdomen and head. Officer Underwood was wearing a vest, but the abdomen shot entered just below the vest line. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately four hours later.<BR><BR>All four suspects were eventually apprehended and the shooter was charged with aggravated murder. The other three suspects were not charged. <BR><BR>In November 2004, the suspect pled guilty to first degree murder in a plea bargain with prosecutors. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.<BR><BR>Officer Underwood had served with the agency for 6 years. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old son.<BR><BR>Local citizens dedicated the Steven J. Underwood Memorial Ball Park in Officer Underwood's memory.</FONT></P>