Governor directs flags at half-staff for trooper shot and killed Sunday in northern NY

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2017 at 12:30 pm

Trooper Joel Davis

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff beginning Wednesday through interment, in honor of New York State Police Trooper Joel R. Davis.

“The entire New York family grieves today for Trooper Joel Davis, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday night in Theresa, Jefferson County,” Governor Cuomo said. “Trooper Davis served as a member of the New York State Police for four years, and his death is yet another sad reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day in order to protect our communities and serve the residents of this great state. I ask all New Yorkers to keep Trooper Davis’ family, loved ones and colleagues in the state police in their prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Trooper Davis lived in Oneida County and is survived by his wife and three children.

He was shot and killed on Sunday at about 8 p.m. when he responded to shots being fired during a domestic dispute on County Route 46 in Theresa, Jefferson County.

The suspect, Justin D. Walters, 32, surrendered without incident. Walters is an active duty Army infantryman who is stationed at Fort Drum.

Walters also is accused of shooting and killing his wife, 27-year-old Nichole V. Walters.

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