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Deputy Jailer Joe C. Lykins | Boyle County Detention Center, Kentucky
Boyle County Detention Center, Kentucky

Deputy Jailer

Joe C. Lykins

Boyle County Detention Center, Kentucky

End of Watch: Sunday, October 2, 1977

Biographical Info

Age: 62
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: October 2, 1977
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Deputy Jailer Lykins suffocated to death after being overpowered and gagged during an escape attempt from the Boyle County Jail. Four inmates overpowered him, gagged him, and tied his head to cell bars during the escape shortly after 2300 hours. The gag that was placed in his mouth restricted his breathing. Several other inmates in the cell block at the time used a razor to free Deputy Jailer Lykins after the escaping inmates made their escape but were unable to resuscitate him.

The four inmates who were all apprehended within 24 hours, plead guilty to murder, and were sentenced to life in prison. One has a parole hearing on May 1, 2016.