New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Saturday, March 18, 1972
Add to My HeroesElijah G. Stroud
Police Officer Elijah Stroud was shot and killed while off-duty after interrupting a robbery in progress at a butcher shop.
When Patrolman Stroud entered the butcher shop at 19 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, he realized there was a hold-up in progress. He drew his weapon and took cover. One suspect came up behind Patrolman Stroud and opened fire, striking him in the head. The suspects then fled the store.
A month later five men were charged with Officer Stroud's murder. After two trials four, 23, 28, 29, and 40 were convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. On July 17, 1976, all four were granted a third trial. They were transferred from Clinton Prison to New York City jails. They were denied bail because on numerous pending charges against all four. On November 19, 1976, their trial ended with a hung jury. Later two, now, 26 and 43, pled guilty to first degree manslaughter. The oldest was sentenced to 10 years and the other to 4 years. The other two suspects were granted a fourth trial that ended with a hung jury on April 11, 1977. Their murder charge was dismissed, and they were released. A fifth trial was ordered. On December 21, 1977, one now 34, was jailed for rape, sodomy, deviant sexual conduct, and assault, all involving a 12-year-old little girl. On December 15, 1978, he was convicted of all charges and sentenced to 25 years to life. He died in prison June 3, 1997. The fifth trial was cancelled.
Patrolman Stroud had served with the New York City Police Department for 19 years and was assigned to the 80th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 19 years
- Badge 4204
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 32 ReflectionsI was born/raised in Brooklyn and moved to Atlanta 30+ years after I married and we raised our family here.
However, the maternal side of my family has remained a steadfast fixture near P.S. 316 so I’ve had the opportunity to drive by frequently.
This summer while riding in a friend’s car we stopped at the light on Sterling/Classon and I shared the history of my family and St. Theresa’s church across from the school (generations of family ties). My friend asked if I attended 316 and who was Elijah G. Stroud.
I was proudly able to explain it to him because I attended when the school was renamed after Officer Stroud and my mom worked there
I remember it being “drilled” into our heads daily who he was and the sacrifice he made. We would proudly proclaim that we were students of Elijah G. Stroud Elementary School and sorta/kinda through in the “PS 316” at the end…
After receiving a traumatic head injury at the school my mom sent me to The Bahamas to live with my Dad a few years and I returned to Brooklyn for junior high and high school.
I married a police officer (retired now), my brother was a police officer and my uncle was an officer in the 71st before he retired and passed — I truly understand the sacrifice that Officer Stroud made.
Just wanted to share my reflections…
Adair WhiteJohnson, PhD
Former Student, Elijah G. Stroud Elementary
August 27, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Sergeant Bill Hooser
Santaquin Police Department, UT
EOW: May 5, 2024
Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks
United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, US
EOW: April 29, 2024
Investigator William "Alden" Elliott
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Investigator Samuel Poloche
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Police Officer Joshua Eyer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Police Officer Russell Croxton
Dubach Police Department, LA
EOW: April 27, 2024
Sergeant Ian Taylor
Billerica Police Department, MA
EOW: April 26, 2024
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024