Breathitt County Jail, Kentucky
End of Watch: Sunday, April 28, 1940
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 28, 1940
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Charges dismissed
Deputy Jailer Benton Sizemore was shot and killed while responding to the scene of a shooting involving the county jailer.
The county jailer and his wife were visiting relatives when a truck full of assailants pulled up and opened fire on them, fatally wounding the jailer. The jailer and one of the occupants had been involved in an argument earlier in the week.
Deputy Jailer Sizemore was on duty at the jail when he was notified of the incident. He and another person started towards the shooting scene when they encountered the suspects coming towards them. The suspects opened fire on them, fatally wounding Deputy Jailer Sizemore.
Five suspects were eventually taken into custody, charged with the murders, and released after posting bonds. Charges were dismissed two years later after two mistrials.
Deputy jailer Sizemore was survived by his wife and two children.