Legendary S.F. Homicide Inspector Eddie Erdelatz Jr. Dies at 84

Erdelatz was a key figure in some of San Francisco's most notorious murder cases during the city's violent 1970s.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eddie Erdelatz Jr., a legendary San Francisco homicide inspector who worked on high-profile cases like the Zodiac killings and the murders of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, has died at the age of 84. Erdelatz spent 30 years with the San Francisco Police Department, including 25 in the homicide division, and was known for his unwavering dedication to seeking justice for victims and their families.

Why it matters

Erdelatz's career spanned one of the most violent eras in San Francisco history, when the city grappled with a surge in high-profile murders and serial killers. As a homicide inspector, he played a key role in some of the city's most notorious criminal cases, cementing his legacy as one of the city's most respected and decorated law enforcement officers.

The details

Erdelatz joined the San Francisco Police Department in 1964 and quickly established himself as a skilled and tenacious homicide investigator. He worked alongside fellow legendary inspector Frank Falzon, and the two were known for their effectiveness in solving cases. Erdelatz broke the case of serial killers Leonard Lake and Charles Ng in the 1980s, and he also testified in the trial that led to Ng's conviction. Erdelatz was also present in the courtroom when the aggrieved father of a murder victim shot and killed the suspect, an incident for which Erdelatz and his partner received the Bronze Medal of Valor.

  • Erdelatz joined the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 1964.
  • Erdelatz retired from the police department on July 4, 1994 after 30 years of service, including 25 in the homicide division.
  • Erdelatz passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 84.

The players

Eddie Erdelatz Jr.

A legendary San Francisco homicide inspector who worked on high-profile cases like the Zodiac killings and the murders of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk during his 30-year career with the San Francisco Police Department.

Frank Falzon

Erdelatz's longtime partner in the San Francisco Police Department's homicide division, with whom he worked on many high-profile cases.

Leonard Lake

A serial killer who, along with his accomplice Charles Ng, kidnapped, tortured, and murdered multiple victims in the 1980s. Erdelatz was the lead investigator on the case that led to Lake's arrest.

Charles Ng

A serial killer who, along with his accomplice Leonard Lake, kidnapped, tortured, and murdered multiple victims in the 1980s. Erdelatz testified in the trial that led to Ng's conviction.

George Moscone

The mayor of San Francisco who was murdered in 1978, a case that Erdelatz and his partner Falzon investigated.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Eddie Erdelatz was just a tremendous guy and a great investigator. He was one of the best inspectors of that era.”

— Paul Chignell, Retired police captain (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Eddie had no ego, but he was a very confident detective.”

— Duffy Jennings, Former Chronicle crime reporter (San Francisco Chronicle)

“To a lot of these men, he was the father they never had.”

— Eddie Erdelatz III, Erdelatz's son and retired homicide detective (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

A funeral mass for Erdelatz will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Christian in Ripon, California. San Francisco police command staff and an honor guard with officers on horseback and bagpipers are expected to attend to pay tribute to the legendary inspector.

The takeaway

Erdelatz's career exemplified the dedication and bravery of San Francisco's homicide investigators during one of the city's most violent eras. His unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families, even long after cases were solved, cemented his legacy as one of the city's most respected and admired law enforcement officers.