Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Aeneas McDonald was shot and killed during a running gun battle with two safe thieves. The two suspects were attempting to break into a safe at a local train depot when they were interrupted by a railroad police officer. The officer began chasing the men and exchanged gunfire, but the men were able to escape. A short time later, a citizen called the police station to report a prowler. Policeman McDonald responded to the scene and spotted a suspect. As he climbed through a hole in the fence in pursuit of the man, the suspect ambushed him and shot him four times. Despite his wounds, Policeman McDonald was able to grab onto the suspect and hold him until two citizens arrived to assist him. While awaiting trial, the suspect escaped from the Ontario County Jail on May 5, 1920. He was recaptured on April 11, 1926. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was paroled on February 25, 1955, but was sent back to prison a few weeks later for violating his parole. Two other suspects were also arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Policeman McDonald had served with the Geneva Police Department for at least 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six daughters.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-858EFB76- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman McDonald gave the Geneva Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Geneva community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McDonald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Aeneas McDonald is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Aeneas McDonald's cause is highlighted.
How Aeneas McDonald Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1955
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Aeneas McDonald is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Aeneas McDonald was killed by handgun.