Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch: Monday, August 16, 1943
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 16, 1943
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Sheriff John Middleton was shot and killed by a man who was collecting snakes to use at an upcoming church service.
Kentucky law prohibited snake handling at church services. When Deputy Middleton confronted the man about his activities he was shot and killed. The subject who shot him was arrested and charged with murder. Another man who provided the gun was charged an accessory to murder.
Two months later the 30-year-killer, ex-convict turned minister, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.