In the summer of 1984, a routine day on the beat for 39-year-old New York City Police Officer Juan Andino took a tragic and fatal turn in the Bronx. On June 15th, while patrolling near 3rd Avenue and 149th Street, a local shopkeeper approached him to report a theft. The shopkeeper stated that a man had entered his store, smashed a display case, and stolen a pair of eyeglass frames.
As Officer Andino was taking the report, the shopkeeper spotted the suspect nearby, wearing the stolen glasses.
Officer Andino approached the man, later identified as 24-year-old Lee Ernest Walker, and escorted him back to the store to investigate the matter further. Inside the shop, the situation quickly escalated. Witnesses reported that just before the deadly struggle, Walker turned and said, 'Cops ain't ---- without their guns; watch this.' Walker then attacked Officer Andino, managing to overpower him and gain control of his service weapon. He fired three shots, striking Andino twice in the head.
A nearby female officer heard the gunshots and rushed into the store. She shot Walker twice, critically injuring him. Officer Andino was rushed to Lincoln Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He had been a member of the New York City Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the 40th Precinct. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on June 11, 1985. He is survived by his daughter.
Lee Ernest Walker was arrested at the scene and subsequently convicted of first-degree murder. In July 1985, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. After serving 40 years, Walker was granted parole in December 2024 and was released from Sing Sing Correctional Facility on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The release has been met with distress by Officer Andino's family.
