Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Brian Aselton was shot and killed after responding to a noise complaint in an apartment building.
After he and his backup officer checked outside the building but did not find any violations, the backup officer cleared the scene. Patrolman Aselton went inside to contact the complainant on the second floor. While making his way to the apartment, he observed a male, covered in blood, exit another apartment.
Patrolman Aselton grabbed the subject, who began to struggle. During the struggle, the man produced a handgun that he had just stolen from the apartment and fired over his shoulder, striking Patrolman Aselton in the forehead. The suspect and a female subject then fled the scene.
The two, along with another man, had been involved in a home invasion robbery in which the tenant had been bound and severely beaten. Patrolman Aselton's interruption of the robbery is credited with saving the victim's life.
The male suspect who shot Patrolman Aselton was arrested three days later after a patrolman received a tip during a routine traffic stop. Three other suspects were also arrested a short time later and charged in connection with his murder. The shooter was charged with capital murder.
On February 8, 2003, the shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole. His accomplice was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to 42 years. His female companion was sentenced to 14 years. A fourth suspect who drove the others to and from the scene was sentenced to 20 years.
Patrolman Aselton's cousin, Patrolman Michael Aselton, of the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on March 29, 1983, during a vehicle pursuit.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CT-BE156F88- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Brian. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw. One record, 2 gates. Brian is one person.
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.
Patrolman Aselton gave the East Hartford Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Hartford community, 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
Brian A. Aselton served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Brian A. Aselton 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In CT, 74 of 169 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.8% of this state's fallen. That is 43.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At East Hartford Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Brian A. Aselton's cause is highlighted.
How Brian A. Aselton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Brian A. Aselton is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Incident Location
Military Service
Brian A. Aselton served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Brian A. Aselton’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from East Hartford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
