Deputy Sheriff John J. Hensley

Deputy Sheriff John J. Hensley

Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Friday, July 6, 1928

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John J. Hensley

Deputy Sheriff John Hensley and Sheriff Floyd Ball were shot and killed when they attempted to arrest three men who had just crashed their car through a barricade onto a newly-constructed highway 12 miles west of Harlan.

The suspects opened fire on the officers as they exited their patrol car and then shot Deputy Hensley several more times as he lay on the ground.

All three suspects were captured the next day after their car was found overturned one mile from the crime scene. The owners were traced through the license plate information. Two suspects were convicted of murder and sentenced to 21 years in prison. One was pardoned by Governor Ruby Laffoon on November 29th, 1933, after the jury in the trial asked for his release. A third suspect was acquitted.

Deputy Hensley was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 52
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to 21 years

ambush, arrest

Most Recent Reflection

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No passage of time will ever erase your memory, service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 6, 2020

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