Roll of Honor
Incident
Watchman David Estes was shot and killed while helping another watchman pursue two thieves who had committed a burglary at No. 8 Liberty Square during the early morning hours on April 27.
As Watchman Estes, who was on his beat nearby, was about to apprehend one of the fleeing suspects by grabbing his arm near Milk and Sister Streets, he was shot point-blank in the chest by the youth who had drawn a hidden pistol. Watchman Estes succumbed to his wound nearly 12 hours later.
Watchman Estes, a member of the Boston Watch for 12 years, was survived by his wife. Their two young sons preceded Watchman Estes in death.
Survivors
Watchman Estes, a member of the Boston Watch for 12 years, was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-54B78C68- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
178 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Estes gave the Boston Watch 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Boston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Watchman David Estes is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 42.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Boston Watch, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David Estes's cause is highlighted.
How David Estes Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David Estes is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David Estes was killed by handgun; pistol.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Boston Watch are honored on badge.nw.
