New York State Police, New York
End of Watch: Friday, December 5, 1980
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 5, 1980
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Died in prison
Investigator Robert Van Hall was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to arrest two brothers for trafficking cocaine and marijuana.
He was a passenger in an unmarked patrol car and was shot by the suspects with a shotgun.
Both suspects were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. One had his conviction overturned and resentenced for drug convictions. He was paroled in 2013. The 32-year-old shooter, who was up for parole, died in prison January 16, 2019.
Investigator Van Hall was a Vietnam War veteran. He was survived by his wife and 14-year-old daughter.