Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John McMail was shot and killed by a suspect he attempted to arrest for assault in Brooklyn. Patrolman McMail was on foot patrol when he was approached by a woman who told him she had been assaulted by a man who was standing on the corner of Sutter Avenue and Osborne Street, Brooklyn. Patrolman McMail went to the corner and approached the suspect. The suspect fled on foot, and Patrolman McMail pursued him. As he was running, the suspect turned and fired from two .45 caliber revolvers, striking Patrolman McMail in the head. The suspect continued to flee but was shot and wounded by the owner of a private security company who had witnessed what had happened. The suspect was apprehended, and they found him armed with four guns, a blackjack, and manacles. He was convicted of Patrolman McMail's murder and executed at Sing Sing Prison on March 2, 1923. Patrolman McMail had served with the New York City Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the 85th Precinct, the present day 73rd Precinct. His wife and two children survived him.
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- 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.
Patrolman McMail gave the New York City Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McMail.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John H. McMail 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. John H. McMail's cause is highlighted.
How John H. McMail Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1923
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. McMail is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John H. McMail was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
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.
