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Incident
Patrol Officer Walter Harris was shot and killed while responding to the sounds of gunfire at a social club near his home on John Street. Upon arriving at the location he was shot and killed. Three subjects were arrested and charged in connection with his murder. Two, ages 19 and 20, were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 to 30 years. One was paroled in 1952. The other was paroled in 1957. In 1968 he shot and killed a man in New York City. He was arrested after a shoot-out with two New York Transit police officers. He was convicted of manslaughter, sentenced to prison, and released in 1981. Officer Harris had served with the Princeton Borough Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Harris gave the Princeton Borough Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Princeton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Harris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Walter is the only officer of Princeton Borough Police Department remembered here.
Walter is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 3 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 31. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Walter was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Saturdays: 10.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Princeton Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Princeton Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.