Binghamton Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, August 3, 1995
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 139
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 3, 1995
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Patrolman Lee Barta was shot and killed while searching for a work release suspect. The suspect committed suicide after being surrounded in a house near the shooting site.
Patrolman Barta was a United States Marine Corps veteran, served with the Binghamton Police Department for four years, and previously served with the Broome County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his expectant wife, son, and daughter. His second son was born eight months after his murder. One of his sons went on to become a Binghamton police officer.