Roll of Honor
Incident
Investigator Richard Snyder was shot and killed while conducting an investigation on Corn Field Road in Mamakating. Investigator Snyder had previously arrested the subject, and the man had stated that he would kill the man who arrested him. When Investigator Snyder arrived at the house after 8:00 p.m., he was ambushed and shot three times. After killing Investigator Snyder, the suspect placed his body in the trunk of his patrol car and drove it to New York City. While the disappearance of Investigator Snyder was being investigated, the suspect hung himself near Princeton, New Jersey. The suspect had been released on bail for conspiracy and attempted robbery. He had also been a suspect in at least one other murder in the area and Investigator Snyder's body was found on October 2, 1984, in the trunk of his patrol car off of Wards Island, New York City. Investigator Snyder was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and had served with the New York State Police for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-20D2EFF3- 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 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.
Investigator Snyder gave the New York State Police 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of New York, 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
Richard Benjamin Snyder served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Investigator Richard Benjamin Snyder 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 State Police, 29 of 171 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 17% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Benjamin Snyder's cause is highlighted.
How Richard Benjamin Snyder Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Benjamin Snyder is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Benjamin Snyder was killed by rifle; .222 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
170 officers from New York State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
