Constable Jackson Kelly, Pike County Constable's Office, Kentucky

Constable Jackson Kelly

Pike County Constable's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Thursday, February 10, 1927

Jackson Kelly

Constable Jack Kelly was shot and killed in Dorton, Kentucky, while attempting to calm down a man who was disturbing the peace.

The subject had ridden into the mining camp in search of the person who killed his dog. As Constable Kelly returned to town he encountered the subject riding a horse behind the railroad station. Constable Kelly took the horse by the reigns and asked the man to go home quietly. The man demanded that Constable Kelly release the reigns.

When Constable Kelly continued to hold the horse the man pulled out his revolver and shot him in the chest. Constable Kelly was able to walk back to the town commissary where he collapsed. The subject then rode away on his horse.

Constable Kelly was survived by his wife and his children.

Bio

Age 45
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Constable Kelly, how tragic is it that the ones we're simply asking to leave or calm down can become so violent. No arrest is intended, no custody of any kind, just please leave/calm down.

An animal took your life while you were doing your duty and simply asking him to calm down and leave. He was right to be angry, but you were an innocent recipient of his anger. It does not say here what happened to him, but I hope he faced true justice, if not in this life, then in the next.

God Bless you Brother and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 10, 2017