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Incident
Deputy Constable William Hamilton was shot and killed while investigating the sounds of gunfire coming from a home near Melvin, Kentucky.
When he approached the homeowner and inquired about the gunshots the owner told him he was firing at a rat.
When Deputy Hamilton told the man he was going to confiscate his pistol the man opened fire, striking Deputy Hamilton in the head and chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Hamilton was able to fire one shot but did not strike the man. Deputy Hamilton was taken to a hospital in Pikeville where he died early the next morning.
Another deputy arrested the man for Deputy Hamilton's murder and also arrested the man's son-in-law after finding mash and a still underneath the home.
Deputy Hamilton was survived by his wife and seven children.
Survivors
Deputy Hamilton was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Constable Hamilton served with the Floyd County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Prestonburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Hamilton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Floyd County Constable's Office has lost 11 officers; 11 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 1 officer at Floyd County Constable's Office was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 9 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 2.
In 1932, 19 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 48. Of the 11 killed feloniously at Floyd County Constable's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 35.
William was 48. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
William was 48. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 18.2% of these deaths at Floyd County Constable's Office; May holds the most, 18.2%. Fridays: 18.2%.
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 11 deaths at Floyd County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 63.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Floyd County Constable's Office has 11 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Floyd County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
