Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Maurice O'Brien was shot and killed after breaking up a Craps game in the street. Patrolman O'Brien was walking his beat when he came across a group of gangsters playing Craps in the street. One of the suspects fled, with Patrolman O'Brien in pursuit. In front of 57 W 113th Street, the suspect stopped and turned with a pistol in hand. Patrolman O'Brien attempted to draw his revolver but was slowed by a heart raincoat he was wearing. The suspect fired three times, striking Patrolman O'Brien in the head, chest, and right arm, killing him. The suspect commandeered a passing taxi and fled the scene. Two suspects, 30 and 43, were arrested on June 9, 1931, and charged in relation to the murder of Patrolman O'Brien. Patrolman O'Brien had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 28th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and three brothers and predeceased by his older brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-5B32BCA8- 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 O'Brien 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 O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Maurice D. O'Brien 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. Maurice D. O'Brien's cause is highlighted.
How Maurice D. O'Brien Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Maurice D. O'Brien is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Maurice D. O'Brien was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
