Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Ronald Stapleton died of wounds he received two weeks earlier when he was shot in the parking lot of a tavern at 2433 Knapp Street, Brooklyn, as he attempted to take action during a robbery while off duty. The two suspects attacked Officer Stapleton with a meat hook, gouged his eye out, and then shot him with his service revolver. In 1998, a federal investigation into the activities of a New York crime family revealed the identities of the two suspects. One had died in 1996. The other suspect was arrested by FBI agents at his home in New Jersey. On September 30th, 1999, the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. One year later, he was charged with the murder of a man in Brooklyn in 1982. He was convicted of manslaughter and burglary and received an additional five to 15 years in prison. Officer Stapleton had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 77th Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-054EEA87- 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.
Police Officer Stapleton gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Stapleton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Ronald S. Stapleton 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ronald S. Stapleton's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald S. Stapleton Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 25 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald S. Stapleton is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald S. Stapleton was killed by officer's 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.
