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Incident
Patrolman Brian Aselton was shot and killed after responding to a noise complaint in an apartment building.
After he and his backup officer checked outside the building but did not find any violations, the backup officer cleared the scene. Patrolman Aselton went inside to contact the complainant on the second floor. While making his way to the apartment, he observed a male, covered in blood, exit another apartment.
Patrolman Aselton grabbed the subject, who began to struggle. During the struggle, the man produced a handgun that he had just stolen from the apartment and fired over his shoulder, striking Patrolman Aselton in the forehead. The suspect and a female subject then fled the scene.
The two, along with another man, had been involved in a home invasion robbery in which the tenant had been bound and severely beaten. Patrolman Aselton's interruption of the robbery is credited with saving the victim's life.
The male suspect who shot Patrolman Aselton was arrested three days later after a patrolman received a tip during a routine traffic stop. Three other suspects were also arrested a short time later and charged in connection with his murder. The shooter was charged with capital murder.
On February 8, 2003, the shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole. His accomplice was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to 42 years. His female companion was sentenced to 14 years. A fourth suspect who drove the others to and from the scene was sentenced to 20 years.
Patrolman Aselton's cousin, Patrolman Michael Aselton, of the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on March 29, 1983, during a vehicle pursuit.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Aselton gave the East Hartford Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Hartford community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Brian A. Aselton served in the the United States military (1980â1981) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East Hartford Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Brian is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
Brian is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Brian 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 1999, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1999, 58 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 133rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1999, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Brian was 26. Of the 70 killed feloniously in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 46.5; the middle age was 39. Brian had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 10.5 years.
Brian was 26. 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. Brian had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Brian was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Brian had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8.1% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Saturdays: 12.2%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at East Hartford Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
East Hartford Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Brian among them.
Where
Military Service
Brian A. Aselton served in the United States military (1980–1981) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Brian A. Aselton’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from East Hartford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
