Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Middleton was shot and killed by a man who was collecting snakes to use at an upcoming church service.
Kentucky law prohibited snake handling at church services. When Deputy Middleton confronted the man about his activities he was shot and killed. The subject who shot him was arrested and charged with murder. Another man who provided the gun was charged an accessory to murder.
Two months later the 30-year-killer, ex-convict turned minister, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-70299FC6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Middleton served with the Harlan County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Harlan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Middleton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Middleton is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,787 officers honored here.
In KY, 756 of 984 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Harlan County Sheriff's Office, 36 of 36 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Middleton's cause is highlighted.
How John Middleton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Middleton is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Middleton was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
35 officers from Harlan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
