Roll of Honor
James Holmes
Incident
Police Officer James Holmes was shot and killed while off-duty when a man attempted to rob him around 10:15 p.m. Officer Holmes was visiting a friend at 361 Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn. After entering the building, he was approached by a man who attempted to rob him. Officer Holmes resisted, and the suspect was able to knock Officer Holmes unconscious. The suspect then stole Officer Holmes' firearm and fled. He immediately returned and shot Officer Holmes multiple times in the stomach and chest, killing him. The suspect, 21, was arrested after he told his probation officer that he thought he might be wanted for killing a police officer. He was later convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 32 1/2 years to life in prison. He has a parole hearing in July of 2023. Officer Holmes had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 17 years and was assigned to Service Area 3. He was survived by his wife and four children. His son also served with the New York City Housing Authority, and a grandchild served in law enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-D64F7D8C- 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.
Police Officer Holmes gave the New York City Housing Authority Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Holmes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer James Holmes 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 Housing Authority Police Department, 13 of 19 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 68.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Holmes's cause is highlighted.
How James Holmes Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Holmes is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Holmes was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from New York City Housing Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
