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William J. McConnell
Incident
Deputy Warden McConnell was shot and killed as a prisoner attempted to escape from the Brooklyn City Prison (Raymond Street Jail).
The suspect's wife smuggled a .32-caliber revolver into the jail during a visit. After the visit, a Jail Keeper was escorting the suspect back to his cell when the suspect drew the gun and ordered the Keeper to turn over the keys. The Keeper told the suspect that he did not have the keys and that Deputy Warden McConnell had them. The suspect raced toward Deputy McConnell, demanding the keys. Deputy McConnell drew his firearm, but before he could fire, he was shot twice by the suspect. As he fell, Deputy McConnell was able to return fire, but he missed the suspect.
The suspect then fled with his wife in an attempt to escape. He exchanged several shots with the pursuing Keeper and wounded the Prison Warden and his son before becoming trapped at the end of a corridor. With no exit possible, the suspect killed himself with a gunshot to the head.
The suspect's wife was arrested and charged with Murder. She was later acquitted after a trial.
Deputy Warden McConnell was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Deputy Warden McConnell was survived by his wife and three 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.
Deputy Warden McConnell served with the New York City Department of Correction.
Thank you for your service to the East Elmhurst community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Warden McConnell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New York City Department of Correction has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1932, 1 officer at New York City Department of Correction was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 7 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 2.
In 1932, 13 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 28. Of the 8 killed feloniously at New York City Department of Correction whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 49.5; the middle age was 43.5.
William was 28. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35.
William was 28. 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.
William was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 33.3% of these deaths at New York City Department of Correction, more than any other month. Saturdays: 11.1%.
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Saturdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90% of all 10 deaths at New York City Department of Correction, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 11.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.7% 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; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
New York City Department of Correction has 10 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from New York City Department of Correction are honored on badge.nw.
