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Incident
Patrolman William Brey was stabbed to death by two teenage brothers who were drinking on the roof of a townhouse at 1915 46th Street. After responding to the scene Patrolman Brey was attacked and stabbed by both. He was able to fatally shoot one 15-year-old brother. He then shot the other 17-year-old brother leaving him critically wounded. He then walked out of the building and collapsed on the sidewalk. He had been stabbed 9 times. The other brother recovered, was convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. His reaction to the verdict was "All I did was kill a pig". He was denied parole in 2020, but will be eligible again on June 24, 2028. Patrolman Brey served with the Pennsauken Township Police Department for less than 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and parents.
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.
Patrolman Brey gave the Pennsauken Township Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pennsauken community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Brey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsauken Township Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1987, 1 officer in NJ was killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 33. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 9.8 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 33. 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 had served 9.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 9.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 6.4% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Fridays: 14.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Pennsauken Township Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, 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 edged weapon, in 4.2% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsauken Township Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Pennsauken Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
