Detective Michael J. Foley, New York City Police Department, New York

Detective Michael J. Foley

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Saturday, April 10, 1937

Add to My Heroes

Michael J. Foley

Detective Foley was shot and killed during an investigation while assigned to the 9th Detective Squad.

Detective Foley and another Detective were conducting surveillance at a restaurant which had been robbed several times. While seated at a table, four armed men entered and announced a holdup. A shootout took place, and Detective Foley was fatally wounded.

One of the suspects was shot and injured, and two others were apprehended at the scene. The suspect that was shot escaped but was arrested when he went to the hospital to seek medical attention for his gunshot wound.

Six suspects were convicted of Detective Foley's murder and sentenced to death. Two of them had their sentences commuted. Three of the suspects were executed on January 26, 1939, and the fourth was executed on September 12, 1940.

Detective Foley served with the New York City Police Department 13 years and was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Executed in 1939 and 1940

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

His wife took care of me for 2+years (1949-1951) when my mother had TB. Detective Foley's daughter became my Aunt Jan. She had so much in the way of newspaper clippings & some photos of him, I felt as though I knew him. If wishes were horses . . .right?

Diana
His daught was my Aunt Jan (nee Foley) Mazzaro

January 1, 2026