Prev
James Holmes
Incident
Police Officer James Holmes was shot and killed while off-duty when a man attempted to rob him around 10:15 p.m. Officer Holmes was visiting a friend at 361 Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn. After entering the building, he was approached by a man who attempted to rob him. Officer Holmes resisted, and the suspect was able to knock Officer Holmes unconscious. The suspect then stole Officer Holmes' firearm and fled. He immediately returned and shot Officer Holmes multiple times in the stomach and chest, killing him. The suspect, 21, was arrested after he told his probation officer that he thought he might be wanted for killing a police officer. He was later convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 32 1/2 years to life in prison. He has a parole hearing in July of 2023. Officer Holmes had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 17 years and was assigned to Service Area 3. He was survived by his wife and four children. His son also served with the New York City Housing Authority, and a grandchild served in law enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn04m04f98h9px22vbgc- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Holmes gave the New York City Housing Authority Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Holmes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New York City Housing Authority Police Department has lost 19 officers; 13 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1986, 1 officer at New York City Housing Authority Police Department was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 11 years on record. The heaviest was 1971, with 2.
In 1986, 3 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1986, 98 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1986, 112 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 47. Of the 13 killed feloniously at New York City Housing Authority Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 33; the middle age was 28. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 7.5 years.
James was 47. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
James was 47. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.7% of these deaths at New York City Housing Authority Police Department; December holds the most, 15.4%. Sundays: 15.4%.
March holds 7.7% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Sundays: 13.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 68.4% of all 19 deaths at New York City Housing Authority Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 53.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
New York City Housing Authority Police Department has 19 officers remembered here, James among them.
-
Philip Schultz
Oct 9, 1965
-
Willie L Stephenson
Jul 3, 1966
-
Robert Harris
Dec 20, 1967
-
Arthur Pelo
Sep 25, 1971
-
Harold L. Marshall
Dec 7, 1971
-
Carson Terry
Dec 20, 1971
-
Vito A. Chiaramonte
Sep 26, 1977
-
James O. Washington
May 29, 1978
-
Ted W. Donald
Jun 15, 1979
-
James T. Dunston
Nov 20, 1980
-
Jan Hendrik Brinkers
May 4, 1981
-
James G. Carragher
Feb 11, 1982
-
James Holmes
Mar 23, 1986
-
Anthony Oswald McLean
Apr 13, 1988
-
Gary L. Peaco
Jun 16, 1988
-
Paul Heidelberger
Jul 18, 1992
-
Rudolph P. Thomas, Jr.
Jul 4, 1993
-
John Williamson
Oct 8, 1993
-
Alfred T. Boesch
Jan 21, 1995
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from New York City Housing Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
