Police Officer Edward R. Byrne, New York City Police Department, New York

Police Officer Edward R. Byrne

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Friday, February 26, 1988

Edward R. Byrne

Police Officer Edward Byrne was shot and killed from ambush at the intersection of Inwood Street and 107th Avenue in South Jamaica, Queens, while protecting a witness in a drug case.

He was parked in a marked patrol car in front of the witnesses home when two suspects approached him. One of suspects knocked on the passenger window to distract him as the second suspect ran up to him beside the driver's window and opened fire, striking him in the head five times. Two additional suspects served as lookouts.

The four suspects, ages 20 to 25, were members of a drug ring who were instructed to kill a police officer by their leader who was in a New York prison for drug trafficking. The four were apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 25 years to life. One of the four was wanted for killing a woman in Greenwich, Connecticut, on November 18, 1988. And another was charged with killing a man in Queens the same day. Three of the four subjects were denied parole in November 2012. All four have parole hearings in November, 2016.

The gang's leader was also convicted of Officer Byrne's murder and sentenced to life.

Officer Byrne had served just seven months with the New York City Police Department. He is survived by his parents and three brothers. Officer Byrne's father was also a New York City Police Officer.

Bio

Age 22
Tour 7 months
Badge 14072

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 122 Reflections

Eddie,

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, I felt a connection to your death that still effects me to this very day.

I had worked, as you had, originally in District 32 in the Transit PD. I also went on to become a NYPD cop, and patrolled in Queens, and also have a father who was in law enforcement.

I remember how lawless it was back in the 1980’s, and how many endless cops were moved by the tragedy of your death. It served as a reminder for me to go “balls to the wall” to capture as many felons as was possible. Your spirit of protecting and serving continued in all of us.

It infuriates me that these cop killers are still alive, and it is absurd to think that anyone would dare consider to pardon them.

My son has joined the police dept. and I have told him about your sacrifice. He, too, will try his best to capture as many felons as possible.

Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends.

Marc Manfro
New York City P.D. Retired

October 29, 2018