Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Murphy was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in Brooklyn. Patrolman Murphy, on motorcycle patrol, spotted the stolen vehicle in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and attempted to stop it. As Patrolman Murphy pursued the vehicle, one of the suspects in the vehicle opened fire at him. Patrolman Murphy was struck four times and thrown from his motorcycle. Patrolman Murphy was able to return fire from the ground, but the suspects escaped. Patrolman Murphy was taken to a hospital where he died from his wounds. New York detectives determined that three to four men were in the car. One, age 21, was apprehended and admitted he shot Patrolman Murphy. He was charged with Patrolman Murphy's murder. He implicated another, age 22, who was also in the car who was arrested and charged with Patrolman Murphy's murder. Both were also charged with the murder of a New York jeweler who was shot and killed a few days earlier. On November 6, 1926, the second suspect shot and killed himself after an unsuccessful attempt to escape from the Tombs Prison. Even though the police commissioner testified that the other suspect admitted that he shot and killed Patrolman Murphy and the jeweler the jury for unknown reasons did not believe him and the suspect was acquitted of both murders. In 1931 he was shot and killed by four men at a illegal liquor establishment in New York. Two others that were thought to have been in the car, but were never charged, did receive lengthy sentences for many other serious crimes. Patrolman Murphy had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was survived by his wife and three daughters. He was assigned to Motorcycle Squad 2, the present day Highway Patrol 2. Citizens of New York generously helped Patrolman Murphy's widow and his children so much that they never had to face financial problems.
Survivors
Patrolman Murphy had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-584383D6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Murphy gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Murphy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Frank Joseph Murphy 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 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank Joseph Murphy's cause is highlighted.
How Frank Joseph Murphy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank Joseph Murphy is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank Joseph Murphy was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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