Graves County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky
End of Watch: Monday, March 6, 1922
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 6, 1922
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 7 years
Sheriff John Roach was shot and killed by a former deputy who was upset that he was not appointed to another term by the sheriff.
The former deputy, after learning that other deputies had been sworn in on the first day of the Circuit Court session, went to the sheriff's office and confronted him. After a brief argument, the former deputy retrieved his pistol from a safe. As the sheriff took a step toward him he was shot several times and killed.
The subject was taken to a jail in a neighboring city to prevent a mob from attacking him. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Sheriff Roach was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.