James North
Agency patch
Patrolman

James North

Felonious
End of Watch August 21, 1885
Age 26
The Vigil Panel 8 ›
Gender Male

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.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.

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

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

Location New York, NY
Platform Identity nypd.newyork.ny.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch August 21, 1885
Age 26
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious
Cause Detail Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
Offender Sentenced to life in prison

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.

New York City Police Department
382
of 1,237 officers
30.9% Felonious
NY — Statewide
754
of 2,147 officers
35.1% Felonious
Nationwide
17,623
of 32,508 officers
54.2% Felonious

National Cause Distribution

How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James North's cause is highlighted.

Felonious
17,623 (54.2%)
Accident
10,088 (31%)
Illness
2,974 (9.1%)
Cardiac
1,306 (4%)
Undetermined
260 (0.8%)
Suicide
256 (0.8%)
vehicular
1 (0%)

How James North Compares

Age at End of Watch
26
This officer
Avg for Felonious: 39.0 years

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.

Jan
1,392
Feb
1,295
Mar
1,373
Apr
1,517
May
1,505
Jun
1,443
Jul
1,587
Aug
1,516
Sep
1,553
Oct
1,371
Nov
1,447
Dec
1,624

Weapons Used Against Officers

Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James North was killed by edged weapon; knife.

Gun; Unknown type
5,083
Handgun
2,077
Shotgun
922
Officer's handgun
909
Automobile; Alcohol involved
530
Rifle
518

Incident Location