New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Friday, February 26, 1988
Add to My HeroesEdward R. Byrne
Police Officer Edward Byrne was shot and killed in an 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 witness's home when two suspects approached him. One of the 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 three times. Two additional suspects served as lookouts.
On March 4, 1988, two suspects, 19 and 24, were apprehended in Queens. The other two, both 22, were picked up the next day. The 19-year-old was identified as the killer. He was also wanted for the murder of a woman, 23, in Greenwich, Connecticut, a few weeks earlier, and the murder of a woman, 21, in Queens a week later. All four were sentenced to 25 years to life. Officer Byrne's killer has a parole hearing in 2024. The 24-year-old was released on parole in 2023. Two were denied parole in 2025, and another has a hearing in 2025.
The gang's leader, 29, serving a 25-year-to-life sentence for drug and gun charges, ordered Officer Byrne's murder. As a result of his conviction, federal prosecutors were able to link him and his associates to the murder of Parole Officer Brian F. Rooney, for which he was convicted in October 1985. He was paroled on April 5, 2022, and taken into custody by federal officers.
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.
In February 2018, 91st Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, was renamed Edward Byrne Avenue. President George H.W. Bush kept Officer Byrne's badge with him during his entire campaign for president.
Bio
- Age 22
- Tour 7 months
- Badge 14072
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 157 ReflectionsOfficer Byrne, i'm sorry for what happened to you over 30 years ago, as it should've never happened, and that the men who were involved in taking your life were some of the most cruel and evil people to ever roam this earth. The man who originally wanted you gone was also nothing more than somebody who went down the ledge, and resorted to violence. Although it's a long story of the man who took your life and those involved, i think it'd be best to focus on the positive side of things. For one, you were an officer who was just getting started in his career, having only served 7 months with the NYPD, especially since New York City has a reputation for being one of the toughest cities to be in, especially now with how it is. One thing i'd like to point out is that i can say i had the pleasure to have sent a "No Parole" letter, meaning that i was one of the many kind people on this site to send a letter to prove that the people involved in your death will not be released into the world, as they shouldn't be given the satisfaction of being able to walk free when you unfortunately never had that chance. What i do know, is that you were one of the few young and brave men within NYPD during the rough times in the 80s, where a good portion of crime was high during those times, and even now towards the end of the year in 2025 it's just as bad although i am not from NY. With people like the men who were responsible for your death roaming this earth, it is almost scary to think about to an extent, especially the fact one of them was involved in the murder of a woman in Connecticut, which that alone goes to show that they were the kind of people who would go lengths to cause more trouble and death, although it is unfortunate that it happened, though we can't change the past. Rest assured, i know that your service will never go in vain despite you serving for less than a year, and i believe that in those 7 months of you protecting and fighting in one of the toughest and meanest cities America has to offer, you were able to make an impact larger than what some thought it would've been, as even George H.W. Bush kept your badge during his campaign as president, which goes to show that one of the presidents had massive respect for you, like i do, despite me not knowing you since you died before i was born, since even people like me can tell that you were the type to run into the face of danger and not back down whatsoever. Another thing i'd like to point out and discuss is the fact that your father was also a policeman for NYPD, which says to me that you were in the process of following in your father's footsteps, which is a very honorable thing to do in itself, and i'm sure that your father was and still is proud of you despite you both not being here, as you and your father have since reunited from what i have read and examined. Even now 30 years later you're still talked about, which personally i think it should be the same for all officers who were unfortunately assassinated and taken away from their familie's, which as much as it hurts to see officers be killed because of cruel people in this world, it is a shame that things like these happen. Honestly, only time can tell with what you would've accomplished in your career had you not been cruelly murdered. As i said beforehand; Your service, story, and memory will not fade out or be in vain since justice will be served for your killing, and considering i'm one of the people who've sent a no parole letter to them to keep your killer locked up permanently, i think it is safe to say that we will fight to keep your killer thrown away from society. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service and dedication to the people of New York City will never be forgotten for as long as time goes on, as your sacrifice is a story that will continue to be told to those who are willing to learn about one of the heroes who've willingly served and gave their lives to those within their communities. Rest Well Mr. Byrne
Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line
December 3, 2025
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