In honor of fallen Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Darnell Calhoun, a segment of I-15 between Central Avenue and North Main Street will soon bear signs officially designating that section of the freeway the Deputy Darnell Andrew Calhoun Memorial Highway.
Senator Kelly Seyarto brought forward Senate Resolution 25 in honor of Calhoun, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call on January 13 in Lakeland Village. He was 30-years-old.
Lake Elsinore resident Jesse Ceazar Navarro,43, was charged with Calhoun’s murder. The special circumstance allegations attached to the murder charge, murder of a peace officer, and discharge of a firearm from a vehicle with intent to kill, make Navarro eligible for the death penalty,
Calhoun started his law enforcement career with the San Diego Police Department in 2019. He joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in 2022, assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.
Born in Pomona, Calhoun was raised in Murrieta where his family owns a restaurant. During his younger years, he worked at the family restaurant and attended California State University, San Marcos, where he received his bachelor’s degree in criminology and justice studies.
Calhoun married his high school sweetheart in 2017. At the time of his death, the couple had two children and a third child on the way.
“I was fortunate enough to know Deputy Calhoun personally through his work in our community,” Senator Seyarto said. “He was the epitome of a public servant and I am honored and humbled to be able to recognize him in this way, so we never forget the sacrifice he made to keep our district safe.”
Calhoun is survived by his wife, Vanessa, their three sons, along with his parents and siblings.
