Lynch Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch Tuesday, April 1, 1924
Add to My HeroesJames V. Gross
Chief James Gross was shot and killed while investigating the sounds of gunshots at a coal camp in Lynch. He and his brother were driving on Lynch Road when they heard the shots.
As they drove to the area where they believed the shots had been fired a woman ran from her house and yelled that she had been robbed. As he exited his vehicle the suspect opened fire, striking him in the chest and side.
Chief Gross' brother returned fire and chased the suspect a short distance, before returning to the car. He and a bystander placed Chief Gross in the car and drove him to Lynch Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds the following day.
The suspect was arrested in Roda, Virginia. He was returned to Lynch and charged with first-degree murder. He was subsequently executed by electrocution on March 20th, 1925.
Chief Lynch was a WWI U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Lynch Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, March 30, 1924
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in 1925
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsYour heroism and service is honored today, the 88th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 1, 2012
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Jeff Bain
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: January 3, 2021

Correctional Officer David A. Christensen
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: December 29, 2020

Lieutenant John Reynolds
Garden Grove Police Department, CA
EOW: January 17, 2021

Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini
Ulster County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: January 17, 2021

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021