Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Waverly Jones and Patrolman Joseph Piagentini were shot and killed while on foot patrol in the Colonial Park Houses public housing complex at 159th Street and Harlem River Drive. They were ambushed by members of the Black Liberation Army. As the two patrolmen were returning to their cruiser at approximately 10:00 p.m., three suspects snuck up behind them and opened fire. Patrolman Jones was struck in the back of the head and killed instantly. Patrolman Piagentini was shot 13 times and succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. One of the suspects stole Patrolman Jones' weapon, which was later recovered in San Francisco, California, after several BLA members opened fire on a San Francisco police officer. Two of the suspects, along with five others, were also involved in the murder of Sergeant John Victor Young of the San Francisco Police Department on August 29, 1971. The three suspects were arrested and sentenced to 25 years to life. One of the suspects died in prison. One remains in prison, and the third was granted parole in March 2018. Patrolman Jones had served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was assigned to the 32nd Precinct. Survivors include his wife and three children. The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers and the wounding of many more law enforcement officers. Please click here to visit all the law enforcement officers who have died as a result of the Black Liberation Army's violent activism.
Survivors
Survivors include his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-4CE5AC2B- 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 Jones gave the New York City Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Waverly M. Jones 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. Waverly M. Jones's cause is highlighted.
How Waverly M. Jones Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Waverly M. Jones is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Waverly M. Jones was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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