Three years ago today, December 29, Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Cordero was fatally shot while conducting a traffic stop in the City of Jurupa Valley.
Deputy Cordero was conducting the traffic stop shortly before 2 p.m. in the 3900 block of Golden West Avenue when the suspect opened fire, striking him before fleeing the scene.
Nearby residents rushed to help Deputy Cordero until law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived. Deputy Cordero did not survive his injuries. He was 32 years old.
Following the shooting, Riverside County and San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies began a massive manhunt for the suspect, who was located in San Bernardino County, where deputies initiated a vehicle pursuit that traveled through San Bernardino County before returning to Riverside County.
The pursuit ended when deputies used a spike strip to disable the suspect’s vehicle near the intersection of Valley Way and the 60 Freeway. The suspect then fired at deputies, who returned fire, killing him. He was identified as 44-year-old William Shae McKay of San Bernardino County.
McKay had an extensive criminal history dating back prior to 2000 that consisted of kidnapping, robbery, and the stabbing of a California Highway Patrol K9.
At the time of Deputy Cordero’s death, Sheriff Chad Bianco said, “McKay has an extensive violent past and was convicted of this third strike in November 2021. That case involved kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. Instead of sentencing him to 25 years to life, which should have happened, the judge lowered his bail, allowing him to be released. He was again arrested for failing to appear at his sentencing and additional criminal charges. That same judge released him again. We would not be here today if that judge had done her job.”
Deputy Cordero began his career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on May 5, 2014, as a correctional deputy. He was promoted to a sworn deputy sheriff in 2018. He transferred to the Jurupa Valley Station in 2020. He completed motor school in September 2022 and was working motorcycle enforcement at the time of his death.
The procession and funeral services for Deputy Cordero were held on January 6.
Deputy Cordero’s death deeply impacted the community and law enforcement family. Today, he is remembered for his service, dedication, and sacrifice in the line of duty.
