SECRETARY KAWAMURA COMMENTS ON CONVICTION IN MEAT INSPECTOR KILLINGS

CDFA and USDA inspectors killed in 2000 shootings

SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, October 19, in Oakland, an Alameda County jury convicted San Leandro sausage factory owner Stuart Alexander on first-degree murder charges for the 2000 killings of CDFA meat inspector Bill Shaline and USDA meat inspectors Jean Hillery and Tom Quadros as they waited to speak with Alexander in the factory’s lobby. A fourth inspector, also with CDFA, managed to escape. 

“On behalf of the employees of our agency, I wish to thank prosecutors from Alameda County and the U.S. government for their dedication,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “I also want to recognize our inspector who escaped that day. His courage then and throughout the trial, where he served as a witness, sets an example for all of us. Our sympathies continue to be with the families of our fallen colleagues. They were dedicated to public service, and worked hard each and every day to ensure a safe food supply.”

Shaline, Hillery and Quadros are memorialized with plaques hanging in CDFA’s lobby, and there is a memorial bench for Shaline at Capitol Park, across the street from agency headquarters.        

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