Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Murtha died of a gunshot wound he received while investigating a suspicious person in front of 37 Fourth Street in Brooklyn. Patrolman Murtha had heard rumors earlier in the night that there may be trouble on his post. At Approximately 2020 hours he observed a suspicious male standing in front if 37 Fourth Street and he stopped to question the man. When Patrolman Murtha asked the suspect what he was doing, the suspect mumbled an inaudible response. Patrolman Murtha than asked the suspect if he had a gun. Before he could move, the suspect drew a revolver from his right pocket, placed it against Patrolman Murtha's chest and fired twice. The suspect then fled. One citizen who witnessed the shooting gave chase, shouting "Get him, he shot a cop." With that, several citizens gave chase and the suspect fled on foot for several blocks, running past a fireman. The fireman gave chase, but was shot and killed by the suspect. The suspect was finally captured by a patrolman and taken into custody after a fierce struggle in which the patrolman was injured. Patrolman Murtha was removed to Holy Family Hospital, where he died the next day from his wounds. The suspect was arrested and charge with murdering Patrolman Murtha and the fireman. He was convicted of manslaughter for killed Patrolman Murtha and of murder for killing the fireman. He was executed at Sing Sing Prison on February 4, 1916. Patrolman Murtha had been a member of the New York City Police Department for seven years. He was assigned to the 147th Precinct, the present day 76th Precinct.
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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 Murtha 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 Murtha.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edward Murtha 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. Edward Murtha's cause is highlighted.
How Edward Murtha Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1916
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward Murtha is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward Murtha was killed by handgun; revolver.
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.
