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James V. Spignesi Jr.
Incident
Conservation Officer Jim Spignesi was shot and killed while checking for suspected illegal deer hunting in a private field near the intersection of Palmer Road and Pudding Hill Road in Scotland, Connecticut. Officer Spignesi was with another officer when he was struck by a round from a high-powered rifle. His partner arrested the suspected shooter, an off-duty state corrections officer, who claimed the shooting was an accident. The suspect was thought to be hunting illegally after dark when the incident took place. The suspect was found not guilty as there was no clear way to prove when he fired the fatal shot. Officer Spignesi had served with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his father, three brothers, and his sister.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Conservation Officer Spignesi gave the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hartford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Conservation Officer Spignesi.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection remembered here.
James is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1998, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1998, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1998, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 45. Of the 70 killed feloniously in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 46.5; the middle age was 39. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 10.5 years.
James was 45. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 10.8% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Fridays: 14.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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