Incident
Patrolman James North was stabbed to death by a disorderly male on his post.
Patrolman North was walking on Wall Street in Manhattan at approximately 11:45 p.m. when he observed a disorderly man who had been drinking and harassing females at the corner of Wall Street and Broadway. The subject agreed to behave himself before he was sent on his way. When Patrolman North turned his back and walked away, the suspect doubled back and stabbed Patrolman North in the back.
A doctor who witnessed the incident attended to Patrolman North, while two other patrolmen chased and apprehended the fleeing suspect. As the doctor was attending to Patrolman North, he spoke his last words: "My poor wife and children."
The suspect, charged with first-degree murder, was later convicted. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Patrolman North was assigned to the 1st precinct.
Patrolman North was assigned to the 1st precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-10025DF9- 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
141 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman North served with the New York Municipal Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James North 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. James North's cause is highlighted.
How James North Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James North is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James North was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Incident Location
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