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Incident
Sergeant Nathaniel Taylor was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest three suspects who were robbing a bar. Detective Robert Walls was also shot and wounded in the incident and later died from his wounds. Sergeant Taylor and Detective Walls were off-duty and patronizing V & J Tavern on Seventh Street in Newark, New Jersey. Three masked men entered the bar and announced a robbery. When Sergeant Taylor attempted to intervene, he was shot and killed by one of the suspects. Detective Walls drew his weapon, but was also shot and seriously wounded by one of the suspects. He died 24 days later from his wounds. Two suspects, including the getaway car driver, were later apprehended and charged with murder. A fourth suspect was apprehended on June 17, 1986. All four 17, 18, 18, and 21, were convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two consecutive 30 year terms. Two will be eligible for parole in 2045, and the two others will be eligible in 2046.
Survivors
Sergeant Taylor had served with the Essex County Sheriff's Department for 26 years and is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
26 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Taylor gave the Essex County Sheriff's Office 26 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Taylor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Essex County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Nathaniel is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Nathaniel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nathaniel 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 1985, 4 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1985, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1985, 125 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nathaniel was 51. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Nathaniel had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Nathaniel was 51. 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. Nathaniel had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nathaniel was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Nathaniel had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Tuesdays: 22.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Essex County Sheriff's Office. 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.
His people
Essex County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Nathaniel among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Essex County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
