Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Walter DeCastillia was shot and killed during a payroll robbery in progress at a shoe factory on 35 York Street in Brooklyn. Patrolman DeCastilla was killed by one of four robbers who escaped. His killer was later arrested but released due to insufficient evidence. One hour after he was released, the factory payroll clerk positively identified him as the killer, but he was never re-arrested. Several weeks later, the suspect, the notorious mobster, shot another policeman and a 6-year-old little girl during another robbery. The suspect spent the remainder of the 1930s in prison. He was later released from prison and was killed by rival mobsters in 1979. Patrolman DeCastillia was assigned to the 84th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-290440EA- Stewardship
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- 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 DeCastillia served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman DeCastillia.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Walter Oliver DeCastillia 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. Walter Oliver DeCastillia's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Oliver DeCastillia Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Oliver DeCastillia is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Oliver DeCastillia was killed by handgun.
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.
