Roll of Honor
Incident
Investigator Robert Van Hall was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to arrest two brothers for trafficking cocaine and marijuana. He was a passenger in an unmarked patrol car and was shot by the suspects with a shotgun. Both suspects were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. One had his conviction overturned and resentenced for drug convictions. He was paroled in 2013. The 32-year-old shooter, who was up for parole, died in prison January 16, 2019. Investigator Van Hall was a Vietnam War veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 14-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-1B600697- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Investigator Van Hall served with the New York State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of New York, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert Van Hall, Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Investigator Robert Van Hall, Jr. 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. Robert Van Hall, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Robert Van Hall, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Van Hall, Jr. is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Van Hall, Jr. was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
170 officers from New York State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
