Roll of Honor
Walter Edward Snyder
Incident
Special Agent Walter Snyder and Kriminalwachtmeister (Patrolman) Franz Eichinger of the Munich, Germany Police Department were shot and killed by a 17-year old boy during an attempted prison escape. Agent Snyder and Kriminalwachtmeister Eichinger were transporting the suspect to the scene of an alleged murder that the 17-year old boy had fabricated to escape from prison. During the ride, the suspect was able to gain control of Kriminalwachtmeister Eichinger's service revolver. The suspect then shot and killed Agent Snyder and Kriminalwachtmeister Eichinger before setting the bodies on fire. The suspect fled but was later appended in Belgium. He was sentenced to death by a United States Military Court, but that sentence was later reduced to life in prison. After serving several years in prison, the suspect was released upon agreement between United States and German authorities due to his teenage status at the time of the incident.
Survivors
Special Agent Snyder was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FED-DD1D690E- 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.
Special Agent Snyder served with the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Snyder.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Agent Walter Edward Snyder 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, 11 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter Edward Snyder's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Edward Snyder Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Edward Snyder is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Edward Snyder was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from United States Army Criminal Investigation Division are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
