On the night of November 8, 1980, Thomas Neilan, a 24-year-old white male, was returning to his home on 216th Street in Queens, New York. As he pulled into his driveway, his life took a violent and tragic turn. Two men approached his vehicle and, at gunpoint, forced their way inside. Neilan, a Special Investigator for the New York State Office of the Attorney General, was then forced to drive to another location in an apparent abduction and robbery.
Despite the grave danger he was in,
Neilan attempted to defend himself. He drew his own weapon, identified himself as a law enforcement officer, and managed to fire a shot at one of his assailants. A chaotic shootout erupted within the confines of the car. In the exchange of gunfire, Neilan was struck twice in the head and once in the neck. His courageous efforts were not enough to save him, and he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into the murder of Investigator Neilan led to the arrest of three suspects. The ensuing legal process, however, did not result in convictions for all those apprehended. Two of the men arrested in connection with the crime were ultimately acquitted of the charges brought against them. The third suspect was convicted for his role in the death of Thomas Neilan and was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison.
