In the city of Newark, New Jersey, a decorated law enforcement officer's life was tragically cut short in an act of violence. Sergeant Nathaniel H. Taylor, a 51-year-old male, was a 26-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff's Department.
On the evening of November 26, 1985, Sergeant Taylor was off-duty at the V & J Tavern on Seventh Street. Three masked individuals entered the establishment and announced a robbery. Without hesitation, Sergeant Taylor attempted to intervene to protect the patrons and apprehend the criminals. In the ensuing confrontation, he was fatally shot by one of the suspects. Another off-duty officer, Detective Robert E. Walls, who was also present, drew his weapon but was also shot and critically wounded.
He succumbed to his injuries 24 days later.
The investigation that followed led to the apprehension of all four individuals involved in the robbery and murders. The suspects, aged 17, 18, 18, and 21 at the time of the crime, were subsequently convicted on two counts of murder. Each was sentenced to two consecutive 30-year terms in prison for their roles in the deaths of Sergeant Taylor and Detective Walls.
