Bio & Incident Details
Age: 46
Tour: 18 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Assault
Location: Kentucky
Incident Date: 7/18/1989
Weapon: Blunt object
Suspect: One sentenced to 40 years
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Special Agent Nease was assaulted and beaten to death while investigating the theft of copper wire in Harlan, Kentucky. During the investigation he became involved in a pursuit with the four suspects as they left a scrap dealer's business. He was able to stop the men but they overpowered him and bludgeoned him to death.
All four were apprehended and convicted of various charges in connection with his murder. One of the suspects was sentenced to 40 years in prison and is eligible for parole in 2014. The other three were sentenced to lesser sentences and have all been released from prison.
In August 2007 one of the suspects who had been released from prison was electrocuted and died while attempting to steal copper wire from an electric utility pole in Harlan County, Kentucky.
Agent Nease had served with the agency for 18 years and had previously served with the Kentucky State Police. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
