Deputy Sheriff James Phillip Tutino

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

On Wednesday, January 26, 2005, Deputy James Tutino was killed when a man caused a commuter train to derail when he parked his SUV on the railroad tracks, in the train’s path.

As the train approached the obstruction, the suspect ran from the scene. The train derailed when it struck the vehicle and then struck an oncoming commuter train, causing it to derail as well.

Deputy Tutino, who was en route to the Central Jail, and 10 civilians were killed as a result of the incident. More than 200 other citizens were injured. The suspect was arrested a short time later and charged with arson and 11 counts of homicide.

Deputy Tutino had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife, five children, two grandchildren, parents, brother, and sister.

Deputy James P. Tutino: 47 years old
Date of Birth: March 3, 1957
A resident of Simi Valley
Wife: Rita Tutino

Five Children:
James Tutino, Jr., Nicholas, Tera, Colby and Kristen

Sibling:
Tony Tutino, Simi Valley

Date of Hire: January 1982

LASD Assignment History:

• Pitchess Honor Ranch: 1/82 – 3/82

• LASD Academy: 3/82 – 7/82

• Pitchess Honor Ranch: 7/82 – 10/84

• Carson Station: 9/84 – 3/85

• Men’s Central Jail: 3/85 – 10/93

• Operation Safe Jail: 10/93 to Present