Patrolman William J. Ramos, Jr.

Patrolman William J. Ramos, Jr. | New York City Police Department, New York
New York City Police Department, New York
Patrolman William J. Ramos, Jr.

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, June 14, 1960

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William J. Ramos, Jr.

Patrolman William Ramos was shot and killed after discovering a robbery in progress.

Patrolman Ramos was walking a foot post when he observed a man and a woman leaving a hotel. When the suspects observed the officer, the male suspect drew a weapon and exchanged gunfire with him. Patrolman Ramos and the suspect were both struck three times. Patrolman Ramos was taken to Kings County Hospital where he died from his wounds.

The suspect recovered from his wounds and was charged with murder. He was convicted and sentenced to death, with the conviction later overturned by the United States Supreme Court. The suspect was convicted again after a second trial and sentenced to death again. That sentence was commuted by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller in November 1967. He was paroled in 1983 after serving 23 years in prison. He later returned to prison, where he died while serving for unrelated convictions.

Patrolman Ramos served with the New York City Police Department for 18 months and was assigned to the 80th Precinct.

Bio

  • Age 28
  • Tour 1 year, 6 months
  • Badge 16532

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Death sentence; commuted

robbery

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I was a child, about 6 or 7 years old when my mother introduced me to a kind police officer as we were going out in our neighborhood. I believe he may have just become a police officer. We lived on Dean St. not far from where Barclay's Center is now located. I remember Officer Ramos seemed so tall and strong to me. He had a warm and friendly smile. Meeting him made me feel safe on our block and in our community. I always remembered this and years later learned he had been killed. It made me sad. It still does. Officer Ramos was killed on Flag Day, the day before my 8th birthday. I pray for him and his family. The positive impression you made on a young child will always be remembered. Rest in peace +.

Deborah Ewan Howitt

January 10, 2022

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