Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William McCarthy was stabbed to death while investigating two men breaking into cars near his apartment building. He had just arrived home at the end of his shift when he observed the men breaking into cars. Unbeknownst to him, two more suspects were hiding behind him and attacked him. After stabbing him the suspects stole his gun, badge, and personal belongings before fleeing. Other officers followed a blood trail and arrested the suspects, 19 and 21. They were sentenced to 30 years. Officer McCarthy had served with the Jersey City Police Department for 24 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-2FF0B8C1- 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.
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Tributes
24 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer McCarthy gave the Jersey City Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Jersey City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer McCarthy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William G. McCarthy 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 NJ, 229 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.4% of this state's fallen. That is 35.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Jersey City Police Department, 14 of 41 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 34.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William G. McCarthy's cause is highlighted.
How William G. McCarthy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William G. McCarthy is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William G. McCarthy was killed by edged weapon.
Others Who Wore This Badge
40 officers from Jersey City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
