The evening of April 5, 1970, etched itself into the annals of California law enforcement as one of its darkest and most defining chapters. What began as a seemingly routine traffic stop in Valencia, California—a community north of Los Angeles—rapidly escalated into a brutal shootout known as the Newhall incident, or more somberly, the Newhall massacre. In a span of less than five minutes, four officers of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) lost their lives, marking the deadliest single day in the history of California law enforcement.

The Fateful Encounter

As April 5th drew to a close, at approximately 11:54 p.m., CHP officers Walt Frago and Roger Gore initiated a traffic stop. Their attention was drawn to a vehicle occupied by Bobby Davis and Jack Twinning, individuals who were already persons of interest in connection with an incident, possibly burglaries or car theft, reported to the CHP just minutes earlier. The stop, occurring near the Old 99 — now Interstate 5 — and the Highway 126 interchange, seemed unremarkable at first. Davis and Twinning appeared to cooperate, a common initial tactic to disarm suspicions.

However, this veneer of compliance shattered when the two criminals, heavily armed and desperate, suddenly opened fire on Officers Frago and Gore. The swift and unexpected assault left both officers fatally wounded, transforming a standard police procedure into a deadly ambush. This initial attack underscored the extreme danger posed by the perpetrators and the vulnerabilities faced by officers in such unprovoked encounters, especially in an era predating many of today's advanced tactical protocols and equipment.

The Desperate Struggle and Manhunt

Moments after the initial tragedy, two additional CHP officers, George Alleyn and James Pence, arrived at the scene, responding to the commotion. They were immediately thrust into a chaotic and intense firefight with Twinning and Davis. The situation was further complicated when a brave bystander attempted to assist the officers, taking up one of their discarded weapons and engaging the criminals. Despite this courageous intervention, the officers and the civilian were ultimately out-gunned by Davis and Twinning, who were equipped with more powerful firearms.

Both Officers Alleyn and Pence sustained fatal injuries in the ensuing gun battle. The civilian, having expended all available ammunition, was forced to take cover in a ditch, escaping further harm. As a third CHP patrol car arrived, its officers briefly exchanged gunfire with the perpetrators, but Twinning and Davis managed to flee the scene, triggering a massive, multi-agency manhunt.

The pursuit quickly bifurcated. Bobby Davis stole a nearby car in an attempt to escape the area but was soon spotted by vigilant law enforcement personnel and apprehended. Jack Twinning, however, made a more desperate move, breaking into a nearby house and taking an occupant hostage. The residence was swiftly surrounded by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. After a tense standoff, Twinning released his hostage. The following morning, around 9 a.m., as deputies prepared to enter the house, Jack Twinning took his own life, bringing an end to his flight from justice.

Justice, Sentences, and Lasting Impacts

Bobby Davis faced the legal consequences of his actions. He was convicted of the murders and initially sentenced to death. However, in 1972, following the California Supreme Court's ruling in *People v. Anderson* and later the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in *Furman v. Georgia* (which temporarily halted capital punishment in the United States), Davis's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Years later, in 2009, Davis died by suicide while incarcerated at Kern Valley State Prison, bringing a final, somber close to his part in the tragic event.

The Newhall incident sent shockwaves through the California Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies nationwide, serving as an undeniable and costly lesson. Its aftermath spurred a profound reevaluation of police training, tactics, and equipment, leading to significant, lasting reforms:

• Procedural Changes: The incident highlighted the critical need for safer, more standardized procedures for approaching and arresting high-risk suspects. This led to the development and widespread adoption of the "felony stop" or "high-risk stop" protocol, emphasizing tactical positioning, waiting for backup, and maintaining cover during potentially dangerous encounters.
• Firearms Standardization and Training: Before Newhall, officers often purchased their own sidearms, leading to a variety of calibers and models. The incident underscored the need for standardized, more effective weaponry. This eventually led to the transition from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols with higher ammunition capacities, and the standardization of shotguns. Firearms training also underwent a radical overhaul, moving beyond basic marksmanship to include advanced tactical shooting, stress-fire drills, and scenario-based training that simulated real-world threats.
• Emphasis on Tactical Response: The swiftness and lethality of the attack highlighted the importance of communication, cover, and coordinated response. Law enforcement agencies began to prioritize robust tactical training programs, emphasizing officer safety and effective engagement strategies in dangerous situations.
• Body Armor: While not immediately widespread, the incident contributed to the eventual adoption and mandatory wearing of ballistic body armor for officers, recognizing the need for personal protection against armed threats.

The Newhall incident became a tragic but invaluable case study, taught in police academies across the country. It fundamentally reshaped how law enforcement officers approach dangerous situations, instilling a heightened awareness of tactical readiness and officer survival that continues to save lives today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Newhall Incident

When and where did the Newhall incident occur?

The Newhall incident occurred on April 5–6, 1970, in Valencia, California, a community located north of Los Angeles.

Who were the officers killed in the Newhall incident?

The four California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers killed were Walt Frago, Roger Gore, George Alleyn, and James Pence.

Who were the perpetrators involved in the Newhall incident?

The two heavily armed criminals involved were Bobby Davis and Jack Twinning.

What was the immediate cause of the incident?

The incident began as a routine traffic stop initiated by Officers Frago and Gore, targeting a vehicle occupied by Davis and Twinning, who were suspected in connection with earlier reported incidents, likely burglaries or car theft.

How long did the initial shootout last?

The initial, fatal shootout that claimed the lives of the four officers lasted less than five minutes, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the attack.

What happened to the perpetrators after the shootout?

Bobby Davis was apprehended after attempting to flee in a stolen car. Jack Twinning took a hostage in a nearby house, later released the hostage, and committed suicide as deputies entered the residence.

What was Bobby Davis's ultimate fate?

Bobby Davis was convicted and sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without parole in 1972. He later died by suicide at Kern Valley State Prison in 2009.

What significant changes resulted from the Newhall incident?

The incident led to major reforms within the CHP and broader law enforcement, including new procedural guidelines for arresting high-risk suspects (like the "felony stop"), standardization of firearms (transitioning to semi-automatic pistols), and enhanced, more tactical firearms and officer survival training throughout departments.

Why is it also called the "Newhall massacre"?

It is often referred to as the "Newhall massacre" due to the rapid and brutal killing of four law enforcement officers in such a short period, marking it as the deadliest day in California law enforcement history at the time.