Knott County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch Friday, March 10, 1933
Add to My HeroesTheopolis Madden
Deputy Theopolis Madden was shot and killed while confronting a drunk man who had been advised to leave town and go home earlier in the evening by other county officers. After the man was located in town again, Deputy Madden approached him to again ask him to go home. The suspect produced a gun and shot Deputy Madden, killing him.
The suspect, 54, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On March 16, 1934, he was pardoned by Governor Ruby Laffoon. During his trial the defense said he was insane but the prosecutor convinced the jury he was sane. Governor Laffoon said he pardoned him because he served in the World War and was wounded and suffering from shell-shock.
Deputy Madden was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Pardoned in 1934
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsUncle Thee, I am so sorry that we never had the opportunity to know each other. You and my mom, Eva, were brother and sister. Thank you for protecting others; such a shame all of our family had to suffer due to the actions of someone. Someday I will get to meet you in Heaven. Your mom, my grandmother was so special to me. Until then . . . .
Sara Fitzpatrick
Your Neice
March 8, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025