Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Joel Davis was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance, and shots fired call at 34371 Route 46 in Theresa.
The male subject had murdered his wife. Another woman who had been shot in the back was hiding with two children and was ordered out of the shed to drag his wife's body to the backyard. While she was doing this, she heard additional gunshots. Trooper Davis had arrived at the scene and was immediately shot. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The subject, an active-duty Army member, surrendered as additional units arrived at the home. He was found guilty of 52 counts, including first-degree murder and second-degree murder, and was sentenced to life without parole.
Trooper Davis had served with the New York State Police for four years and had previously served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for ten years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-E0A2138C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Trooper Davis gave the New York State Police 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of New York. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Joel R. Davis 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%.
At New York State Police, 29 of 171 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 17% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joel R. Davis's cause is highlighted.
How Joel R. Davis Compares
Offender Outcome
Life without parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joel R. Davis is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joel R. Davis was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
170 officers from New York State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
