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Incident
Deputy Chief of Police Robert Shanley and Patrolman Walter Rusinak were shot and killed while responding to a domestic call at 22 Mercer Street. The subject was upset over custody of his daughter and attempted to kill his estranged wife. She managed to escape while her father tried to take the rifle away. During the scuffle, the father was shot and killed. When officers arrived, the subject fired through the front window, wounding a sergeant, who was one of his friends, wounding a patrolman, and killing a 13-year-old neighbor who was playing outside. Trying to surprise the shooter, Patrolman Rusinak entered through the back door but was shot in the head and died instantly. The subject escaped through the back, using his daughter as a shield. While brandishing his firearm, he fired at Deputy Chief Shanley, who was shot through the heart. Officers chased him throughout the town, and after a few blocks, he left his daughter on the street and was able to allude the police. He turned himself in a few hours later. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to death, and executed on March 26, 1945. Deputy Chief Shanley had served with the Carteret Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Chief of Police Shanley gave the Carteret Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carteret community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Chief of Police Shanley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Carteret Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1944, 2 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1944, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1944, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 43. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Robert was 43. 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. Robert had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.7% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Thursdays: 13.3%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Carteret Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 12.9% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Carteret Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Carteret Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
