Officer Sackett was shot and killed by two suspects after responding to an emergency call. When he arrived, he was ambushed from across the street by a suspect with a high-powered rifle. Two suspects associated with the Black Panthers were questioned, but no charges were immediately filed due to lack of evidence.

The two suspects were finally arrested and charged with Officer Sackett’s murder in January 2005, 35 years after the murder. Both suspects were sentenced to life in prison in 2006. In 2008, one of the suspects had his conviction overturned and was awarded a new trial. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder.

Officer Sackett had served with the St. Paul Police Department for 18 months and had previously served for four years with the United States Air Force. He was survived by his wife and four children.