Magoffin County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch: Saturday, September 26, 1959
Age: 62
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 26, 1959
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Sheriff Dona Arnett was intentionally struck and killed as he walked along Route 7 near his home in Royalton. Two men who had previously been arrested by Sheriff Arnett had planned to go to his home to murder him.
As they approached the home they saw him walking along the street. They waited until he was in a more isolated area, turned around, and struck him. They then ran over him a second time before fleeing.
Both suspects were later arrested by the Kentucky State Police and charged with murder. The 22-year-old driver was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Sheriff Arnett was serving his second year of a four year term as sheriff.