Roll of Honor
Thomas H. Neilan
Incident
Special Investigator Thomas Neilan was shot and killed when he attempted to take action against two men who abducted him at gunpoint during a robbery in Queens, New York, at about 12:30 am. He was pulling into the driveway of his home in the 9200 block of 216th Street when the men entered his car. They forced him to drive to another location, where Investigator Neilan drew his weapon, identified himself, and fired a shot at the suspect. At the same time, the subjects returned fire, striking him in the head twice and once in the neck. Three men were arrested. Two were acquitted, and one was sentenced to 25 years. Investigator Neilan had served with the New York State Office of Attorney General for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-F8EC7181- Stewardship
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- 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.
Special Investigator Neilan gave the New York State Office of the Attorney General 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Investigator Neilan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Investigator Thomas H. Neilan 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas H. Neilan's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas H. Neilan Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 25 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas H. Neilan is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas H. Neilan was killed by gun; unknown type.