Retired NYPD Chief Joseph Michael Herbert, the heroic detective who brought down the ‘New York Zodiac Killer’ and served the city for nearly four decades, dies peacefully at 68
New York City is mourning the loss of one of its most respected law enforcement figures. Retired NYPD Chief Joseph Michael Herbert, a decorated officer whose name became synonymous with justice during one of the city’s most chilling criminal investigations, has passed away at the age of 68. Herbert died in his Rockaway Beach home on September 30, surrounded by family — leaving behind a legacy that defined courage, dedication, and honor.
For nearly 38 years, Joseph Michael Herbert served with distinction in the New York Police Department. He was the kind of cop that every officer aspired to be — calm under pressure, relentless in pursuit of the truth, and deeply committed to the people of New York. Those who worked alongside him say he had a rare gift for seeing through chaos — for finding clarity when everything seemed lost.
Herbert’s name became known beyond the NYPD when he played a key role in solving one of the most disturbing crime sprees in the city’s history: the hunt for the “New York Zodiac Killer.” Between 1990 and 1994, a man named Heriberto “Eddie” Seda terrorized New Yorkers with a string of shootings that eerily mirrored the methods of the infamous California Zodiac Killer from the late 1960s. Seda sent taunting letters to the police and media, signing them with Zodiac-style symbols and cryptic clues.
The investigation dragged on for years, frustrating detectives and terrifying residents. But Herbert never gave up. His team’s persistence, attention to detail, and collaboration across departments ultimately led to Seda’s capture in 1996. The breakthrough came after Seda shot and injured his own sister during an argument, leading investigators to discover ballistic evidence linking him to the unsolved Zodiac shootings. Herbert’s work helped ensure the killer was brought to justice, ending a reign of fear that had haunted New York for half a decade.
Colleagues recall Herbert’s mix of intellect and humility. He never sought fame for the arrest — instead, he always credited the collective effort of his team. “It was never about glory for him,” one retired detective shared. “It was about doing the job right and protecting the people of this city.”
Herbert continued to rise through the NYPD ranks after the Zodiac case, eventually becoming Chief of Detectives for Queens South. He led with quiet strength and unwavering integrity, mentoring countless young officers along the way. To them, he wasn’t just a superior — he was a teacher and a role model. His leadership shaped a generation of detectives who carry his lessons to this day.
After retiring, Herbert settled in Rockaway Beach, where he remained active in community events and veterans’ groups. Friends say he loved the ocean, often taking early morning walks along the boardwalk and chatting with neighbors who remembered him from his NYPD days. Despite his storied career, he never carried himself like a hero. He was approachable, down-to-earth, and always quick with a smile or a kind word.
The NYPD issued a statement honoring Herbert’s service, calling him “a true son of New York and a guardian of its people.” Flags at several precincts were flown at half-staff in his memory. Many of his former colleagues gathered to share stories — from his first years as a rookie cop in the Bronx to the tense nights of the Zodiac investigation. Each story painted a portrait of a man defined not by power, but by purpose.
His passing marks the end of an era for many who served alongside him. In a city that often celebrates its heroes too late, Joseph Michael Herbert stands out as a man who embodied what service really means — showing up, day after day, for nearly four decades, with courage and compassion in equal measure.
New York has changed a lot since the days when Herbert walked its toughest streets. The skyline has grown, the neighborhoods have evolved, and the city’s challenges have shifted. But his story remains timeless — a reminder that behind every solved case, every moment of safety, and every act of justice, there are people who quietly give everything to keep the city standing.
Joseph Michael Herbert will be remembered not just as the man who helped catch a notorious killer, but as a symbol of what it means to serve with heart. His legacy lives on in the streets he once patrolled, the detectives he mentored, and the city he helped protect.
