CSX Transportation Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Tuesday, July 18, 1989
Add to My HeroesShelby Wayne Nease
Special Agent Shelby Nease was assaulted and beaten to death while investigating the theft of copper wire in Harlan County, Kentucky. During the investigation he became involved in a pursuit with the four suspects as they left a scrap dealer's business. He was able to stop the men but they overpowered him and bludgeoned him to death.
His body was left in a creek off of Route 568 in Cranks, Kentucky.
All four were apprehended and convicted of various charges in connection with his murder. One of the suspects was sentenced to life in prison. The other three were sentenced to lesser sentences and have all been released from prison.
In August 2007 one of the suspects who had been released from prison was electrocuted and died while attempting to steal copper wire from an electric utility pole in Harlan County, Kentucky.
Agent Nease had served with the CSX Transportation Railroad Police Department for 18 years and had previously served with the Kentucky State Police. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 46
- Tour 18 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Location Kentucky
- Weapon Blunt object
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 Reflections29 years have now passed, Special Agent Nease and you are still remembered and honored.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
July 18, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths

Border Patrol Agent Daniel Salazar
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: May 17, 2022

Chief Deputy Sheriff Jody Wayne Cash
Calloway County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 16, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Walter Donald Jenkins, Jr.
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: May 11, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Robert Adam Howard
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: May 11, 2022

Patrol Officer Brian Lee Sember
Ottawa Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2022

Sergeant Nicholas W. Tullier
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: May 5, 2022

Police Officer Darryl Wayne Fortner
Vestavia Hills Police Department, AL
EOW: April 6, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. Weist
Knox County Sheriff's Office, IL
EOW: April 29, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Douglas Warren Sanford
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: March 29, 2022