Raleigh Police Officer Gabe Torres' death recognized as 'In the Line of Duty' triumph for advocates

'Victory for Us,' an advocacy group dedicated to championing the rights of public safety employees killed while commuting to and from work, celebrates a significant win after the passing of Raleigh Police Officer Gabe Torres.

He was one of five people killed in the Hedingham shooting in fall of 2022 as he was on his way to work.

A look at the state budget shows amendments for public safety worker death benefits to include law enforcement murdered by gun while off duty but on the way to work.

Advocates see this as long overdue reform.

October 13, 2022, marks the day five people were killed in a mass shooting in an east Raleigh neighborhood –including police officer Gabe Torres.

"We believe Officer Torres was killed in the line of duty," Rick Armstrong, Raleigh Police Protective Association, said.

The 29-year-old's family spent months fighting for his death to be classified in this manner, but the state wouldn't recognize this way.

But with help from the Raleigh Police Protective Association, a change of heart on the state level occurred.

"Unfortunately officer Torres wife had to wait some time to receive this so…late is better than never so she’ll receive these benefits," Rick Armstrong, Raleigh Police Protective Association said.

Armstrong says typically, when an officer is killed-it's while he or she is working.

In Torres' case-he hadn't gotten to work yet but was performing duties as a law enforcement officer.

State lawmakers proposed what's known as the Gabe Torres Act in April, 2023-expanding death benefits for public safety workers who are killed "en route to, engaged in, or returning from duty or training.

Closing a loop that prevented the Torres family from receiving benefits.

"We're happy the state has finally recognized that and that's what the decision came down," Armstrong said.

Torres' wife, Jasmin Esteves-Torres, commented on Facebook about the decision, saying,"

"What a long road it has been, that's for sure. Glad we are finally here," Jasmin Esteves-Torres said.

Armstrong says the state provided $200,000 in benefits for the Torres family.

He says the fight continues, fighting for federal benefits and for Ofc. Torres to be recognized on the 'Officer Down Memorial Page' and the National Police Memorial in D.C.