24-Hour Vigil Honors Slain Lancaster Sergeant

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department held a 24-hour vigil Saturday to honor a sergeant who was killed in the line of deputy three years ago.

Beginning at midnight Saturday, deputies stood watch over a memorial to honor Sergeant Steve Owens.

Owens was shot to death on Oct. 5, 2016 while responding to a young mother's 911 call reporting a burglary.

The deputies were scheduled to rotate every 15 minutes until the end of the 24-hour vigil. The station held a similar event last year honoring Owens.

In a Facebook post, the Lancaster Sheriff's Station said, "We’ve been here every October 5th, and will be here every October 5th in honor of this incredible person. We miss you Sarge."

Owen's family visited the memorial in the afternoon.

Owens was a 29-year department veteran who had worked in the Antelope Valley for years and was known for his community involvement, especially with Lancaster's youths. He was also a 2014 Medal of Valor honoree.