Police Officer James Holmes
New York City Housing Authority Police Department
New York
End of Watch: Sunday, March 23, 1986

Biographical Info
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: 1875

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Sunday, March 23, 1986
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 24 years in prison

Officer Holmes was shot and killed while off-duty when a man attempted to rob him. 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 then returned and shot officer holmes in the chest, killing him.

The suspect 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 2nd Degree Murder, 1st Degree Robbery and 2nd Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He was sentenced to 32 1/2 years to life in prison. The suspect is eligible for parole on May 31, 2019.

Officer Holmes had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 17 years and was survived by his wife and four children. He was assigned to Service Area 3.