Trenton Trevon Lovell, of Lancaster, is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 4 on the charges. He is accused of killing sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Owen, 53, on Oct. 5, 2016. Prosecutors allege Lovell shot Owen, then pumped more bullets into him when the lawman was already on the ground.
The murder charge against Lovell includes the special circumstance allegations of murder of a peace officer in the performance of his duties and murder for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest. Prosecutors will determine later whether to seek the death penalty.
Owen was among the sheriff’s deputies responding to a report of a possible burglary in progress.
Owen was a 29-year department veteran who had worked in the Antelope Valley for years and was well known for his community involvement, especially with area youths. He was promoted to sergeant five years earlier and worked as a sheriff’s Arson-Explosives detective.
His killing prompted an outpouring of support for his family and remembrances of Owen’s unwavering dedication to his job and commitment to the community. Law enforcement officers from as far away as New York and public officials including Gov. Jerry Brown attended his funeral service. A section of State Route 14 in the Antelope Valley was dedicated in his name on the one-year anniversary of his death.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said at the ceremony that the dedication “will serve as a continuous reminder of his selfless act, as well as a lesson to us all that we each have the ability to improve our community — much like Steve did every day.”
Previous related stories:
Hearing begins for parolee charges with killing sheriff’s sergeant
Portion of Hwy 14 named in honor of LASD Sgt. Steve Owen
Highway naming for Sgt. Steve Owen approved
Sgt. Steven Owen Memorial Park dedicated to his family
5 arrested in connection to murder of Sgt. Owen
Parolee pleads not guilty to fatally shooting sergeant
Thousands bid farewell to Sgt. Steve Owen
Parolee charged with murdering Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sergeant
John says
This pig got exactly what he deserved. He helped no one but himself. I wish someone got it on camera so we could enjoy the moment that bullet went right thru his worthless fat face. AMEN
TOTS says
No wonder the AV is going down…. so much hate circulates Among Us
Steve Cinn says
Someone looked away or looked at his walkie talkie on the shoulder, either way that split second cost him his life. Oops
Bugs Bunny says
But think about it for a second. That split second he couldn’t do anything considering he was already injured. If it were me, I would have done the same thing, making sure the suspect didn’t shoot me with my own weapon, and I was fighting for my life. It could be a second or a minute, he died a hero.
Steve Cinn says
We all take a crap everyday, let’s flush and move on. Someone had bacon.
Alexis says
He was one of the good ones, and it doesn’t matter what any of you say.
Tim Scott says
Given that even the ardent badge lickers acknowledge the “occasional bad apple” what makes you so sure that Owen wasn’t one of them? Given his senior position during the period that Wrecks used the Lancaster station as his personal goon squad (and got caught by the feds for it so let’s not pretend that it was ‘just a rumor’) it seems pretty likely that Owen wasn’t “one of the good ones.” He was at best a “go along to get along” turning a blind eye to the thuggery and corruption.
Alexis says
You know, Tim, I’m not sure and neither are you. I do know about my experiences with him when I was homeless, and they were very positive. I wasn’t the only one he was kind to, and helped. I didn’t spend 24/7 with him, and neither did you. Please point me to the facts about Steve Owen being corrupt. I have been witness to a lot of corruption, but I keep it to myself because I don’t have the evidence. As far as your use of “badge licker” that you use for anyone that has anything positive to say about some of the good ones, well, that’s just you. Corruption is everywhere in case you haven’t noticed, and it isn’t just in Lancaster. You take pleasure in tearing apart others while none of us know what evil you might be into. That’s the point here, that it is too easy to vilify others while presenting ourselves as the righteous ones.
Tim Scott says
I actually use “badge licker” for the people who just knee jerk out a “cops never do wrong” response any time the question comes up. If a cop shoots an unarmed citizen and the first thing out of someone’s mouth is “well, they have a dangerous job” then I call them a badge licker.
As for the corruption in Lancaster and Wrecks using the Lancaster station as his goon squad…once again, that’s documented. If Owen had been just some bootstrap deputy having the situation interpreted for him by a training officer I’d be right there with you giving him a “no evidence” pass on his involvement; but he wasn’t. He was a Sergeant. High enough in the chain of command that he couldn’t miss seeing the corruption, and experienced enough that we can’t pretend that he just didn’t recognize it.
When Wrecks said “hey, let’s run some people out of town” the local LASD had a responsibility to say “That’s illegal and unconstitutional.” Instead they collectively said “Whhhhoooooo whhhhoooooooo! The mayor says we can kick in doors!” Owen may not have directly used his boots to do the kicking, but no one in a senior position in Lancaster station isn’t guilty.
Alexis says
Fair enough, Tim. I also understand much needs to be done to clean out corruption in every city, but it is going to take a miracle. Abuse of power runs rampant in law enforcement, but I also know without any police force there would be total anarchy. I hope for better days. That’s all I can do.
Disgusted says
You didn’t know Steve Owen and your assumptions about his character are gross.
Tim Scott says
Hi Disgusted. So you are claiming that Steve Owen was the lone voice crying in the wilderness against Wrecks using the Lancaster station as his personal goon squad?
Given the way Wrecks constantly calls him a hero I have to guess that such crying in the wilderness must have been done awfully quietly. People who stand up against Wrecks don’t get parks named after them, they get brought up on charges, false if necessary, and run out of town.
Alexis says
@Tim Scott…There is also the Palmdale arena that is dedicated to Steve Owen. He was engaged in the community, helping youth, and so much more. That community included Lancaster and Palmdale. James Ledford had a part in this also. You can make all the unfounded comments you want, but it doesn’t change the fact that he did many good things, because he loved helping others.
Tim Scott says
Alexis, I’m not disputing that. It just doesn’t counter the facts. One fact is that when Wrecks wanted to use the Lancaster station as his private goon squad, against law and constitution, they did not resist. Another fact is that at that time one of the senior leadership personnel in Lancaster station was Sgt. Steve Owen. Those aren’t “Unfounded comments,” and they don’t mean that Owen was universally evil every minute of every day…but they don’t make him a hero, or a good cop.
WP says
Tim Scott is well known for being a POS. That’s the fact.
Tim Scott says
LOL…so sayeth a self appointed claimant to the throne of fact speaker. Any time you want to come around and test my chemical composition I’d love to meet you.
Disagree says
NO ONE EVER DESERVES TO DIE!!!
Life is precious
Steve Cinn says
Why are Lasd not wearing body cameras, because they will have to change the way they do business. Why do some not wear body cameras and some do, because it’s at the implementation stage, but wait until all lasd have to be recorded.They killed the dude at taco bell in Palmdale and a lot of cops were involved, but nothing to n camera? Things that make you say hmm. Two names Baca,Tananka. Google those names, Look up LASD brady filed of 300 officers about to go through the ringer with BACA and TANANKA. LASD as dishonest as can be should be there slogan.
Steve Cinn says
Dishonesty has a price.
Steve Cinn says
Code 3 response to two parties who hate you. Overpaid baby sitters.
White boy bob says
Lol r.i.p owen NOT………
PFC Pyle says
Fuq Trenton Lovell
Robert says
In this case, there should be no trial. Why waste out tax dollars on that POS. Lethal injection, now.
Bryon says
…. we’re sorry, the reverend Al Sharpton cannot be bothered for comment, on this issue. Please refer your questions on this matter, to the LASD bureaucracy responsible, for the systematic exploitation of our brotha, Trenton Trevon Lovell.
AV Illegal says
What does this even mean “brotha”? Who would want to hear from the brotha Al anyway? All he does is spew hate like his brotha Jessie. Hey, I think I am gettin’ the hang of dis Sh** brotha!