Members of slain Sacramento Police Officer Tara O'Sullivan’s family, childhood friends, and members of law enforcement shared the profound ways in which her death has impacted their lives on Friday as a judge upheld the death sentence for the man who killed her .
“I'm feeling tired. It's exhausting, but I'm also really happy we got the outcome we were looking for," said Kelley O’Sullivan, Tara’s mother, following the hearing.
Sign up for our NewslettersOn June 19, 2019 , O'Sullivan was one of five officers assisting a domestic violence victim in the north Sacramento area when Adel Ramos opened fire on the officers and hit O'Sullivan.
His actions that day, the judge said Friday, showed significant planning to ambush the officers and an “extreme cruelty” and “indifference” to their lives. After O'Sullivan was shot, Ramos blocked first responders from bringing O'Sullivan to safety by continuing to fire at them.
"It's devastating. It really breaks up the entire family and it's profound in ways that we didn't all understand in the beginning, and I don't think we'll ever understand," said Kelley O’Sullivan.
Adel Ramos pleaded guilty to O'Sullivan’s murder in August 2024. Despite a moratorium on executions in the state of California, a jury sentenced Ramos to death. More than a dozen people shared their grief during victim impact statements at his formal sentencing.
"I pray for his misery as he preyed on us," said Daniel Chipp, who responded with O'Sullivan that day.
Loved ones, including siblings, cousins, and friends, shared memories of O’Sullivan on happier days, describing her "effortless" ability to make the people around her feel special.
Members of law enforcement shared their belief that, at 26 years old and as a new officer, O'Sullivan already showed leadership potential and exemplified "the best this department had."
She had a list: She wanted to work for the gang unit. She wanted to be a detective. She definitely wanted to work for K-9. She loved the mounted unit. She wanted to hit every single one she could," Kelley O'Sullivan said. "Sacramento is big enough that that could have happened.
In response to Friday's sentencing, Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester released the following statement.
Today’s sentencing brings accountability for the tragic murder of Officer Tara O’Sullivan. While no outcome can ever replace Tara or ease the pain of her loss, we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners who helped bring this case to justice. Tara’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
District Attorney Thien Ho shared the statement below.
Today’s death penalty sentence delivers a measure of justice for the brutal and calculated murder of Sacramento Police Officer Tara O'Sullivan, who gave her life in service to her community. This ambush attack was not only against one officer—it was an attack on the entire Sacramento Police Department and every law enforcement professional who puts on a uniform to protect and serve others. This sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and recognizes the ultimate sacrifice Tara and her family have made. We thank the jury in this case for their thoughtful deliberation and their service to this community.
Kelley O'Sullivan thanked the many first responders who helped her daughter and fellow officers that day.
She said, 'From the police department to the fire department, to the emergency technicians, the EMTs that come to the emergency room, doctors, there were so many people that were involved that night that we really didn't get a chance to thank personally, even though over time that we've been trying to.'
A statement on behalf of the entire O'Sullivan family was also sent to KCRA:
We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire O'Sullivan family. The immense outpouring of love, assistance, encouragement, and prayers has truly sustained us since Tara was taken from us. Our thanks extend to Sacramento and all surrounding communities for their remarkable support during this challenging time. The overwhelming response at Tara's funeral was a powerful reminder of our unity as one community. The continued support from the Greater Sacramento area and Tara's hometowns in the East Bay fuels our strength.
We are deeply grateful to the Sacramento Police Department—you genuinely feel like family. Your unwavering care and attention to every detail have bolstered our bond. To our extended First Responder family and all surrounding agencies, our appreciation for your support that tragic night runs deep.
We also acknowledge the local businesses that stepped up to comfort our grieving family and provide financial assistance to continue Tara's legacy with scholarships and K9 sponsorships, especially the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Ink Eats and Drinks. Your efforts ensure that Tara will never be forgotten, as her name now graces the American River H Street Bridge, Woodlake Park, and her high school, College Park in Pleasant Hill.
To the doctors, nurses, and everyone at UC Davis Medical Center, we commend the remarkable professionals we witnessed on June 19th, who exemplify unparalleled patient care and expertise. Thank you for being so committed to excellence every day.
We are deeply grateful to Jeff Hightower and his team at the District Attorney’s office who worked tirelessly on this case. Our heartfelt thanks also go to Maliyn, our victims’ advocate, whose unwavering support guided us through every step of this journey. We extend our sincere appreciation to Krissie Hutchins, Vice President of the Sacramento Police Officers Association, for your steadfast commitment to our family and to all those impacted by this each and every day.
When you meet any of our First Responder family members in daily life, please take a moment to pray for their safety and thank them for their invaluable service.
Kelley O'Sullivan said she hoped to continue her daughter's legacy of service, kindness, and understanding and urged community members to find appreciation and empathy for the first responders who continue to show up to work each day.
The ripple keeps happening," Kelley O'Sullivan said. "It doesn't mean that once he's put away in prison forever that it's over. It's never going to be over.
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