Sheriff John T. Roach, Graves County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky

Sheriff John T. Roach

Graves County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Monday, March 6, 1922

John T. Roach

Sheriff Roach was shot and killed by a former deputy who was upset that he was not appointed to another term by the sheriff. The former deputy, after learning that other deputies had been sworn in on the first day of the circuit court session, went to the sheriff's office and confronted him. After a brief argument the former deputy retrieved his pistol from a safe. As the sheriff took a step towards him he was shot several times and killed.

The suspect was taken to a jail in a neighboring city to prevent a mob from attacking him. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Sheriff Roach was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.

Bio

Age 30
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to 7 years

Most Recent Reflection

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And his wife, Lois Roach, became the first regularly elected female sheriff in Kentucky! (She was appointed, as was not unusual, but chose to stand for election and was elected in her own right to the post.)

Shawn Herron

December 11, 2016