Shelby County Detention Center, Kentucky
End of Watch Monday, April 11, 1983
Add to My HeroesCharles D. Wentworth
Deputy Jailer Charles Wentworth was shot and killed during an escape attempt at the Shelby County Jail at 501 Main Street in Shelbyville.
An inmate's girlfriend had smuggled a handgun into the jail. As Deputy Wentworth escorted the inmate to use the phone, he was shot in the abdomen and killed.
The inmate was captured, pleaded guilty to murder, and sentenced to two life terms in prison. the inmate's girlfriend was sentenced to 20 years for complicity to murder, complicity to escape, and theft charges.
Deputy Wentworth had served with the Shelby County Detention Center for two weeks and previously served as a constable. He was survived by his expectant wife and six children.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 2 weeks
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 2 life terms
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsDeputy Jailer Wentworth,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Shelby County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
April 11, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024