Anthony Mosomillo was a 36-year-old, 14-year veteran of the New York City Police Department when he was killed in the line of duty on May 26, 1998, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He and his partner went to an apartment to serve a bench warrant on parolee Jose Serrano, who had missed a court appearance. The suspect’s girlfriend, Betsy Ramos, told the officers Serrano was not there, but the officers searched the residence and opened a closet in a back room. Serrano emerged and a violent struggle followed. Ramos assaulted both officers, and during the struggle Serrano obtained the partner’s handgun and shot Officer Mosomillo four times.

Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Mosomillo returned fire and killed Serrano at the scene. Mosomillo was taken to Kings County Hospital and died during surgery. Ramos was arrested for her role in the incident and later convicted of manslaughter.