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Incident
Patrolman Charles Hays succumbed to gunshot wounds he received while investigating a suspect wanted for shooting his girlfriend on February 25, 1926.
Patrolman Hays and three other patrolmen received a call that a female had been shot. When they went to the suspect's home at West 9th Street and Leitchfield Road in Owensboro around 6:15 p.m., the man started shooting at the patrolmen. Despite returning fire, three patrolmen were wounded, and the suspect escaped.
One patrolman was released from the hospital that evening. Another patrolman was able to return to duty three months later. Patrolman Hays had returned home but repeatedly returned to the hospital for several operations before passing away from complications from his wounds on July 16, 1926.
The suspect was apprehended and initially charged with four charges of malicious shooting. When Patrolman Hays died, he was charged with murder. In 1927, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Patrolman Hays had served with the Owensboro Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, two brothers, a sister, and a grandchild.
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.
Patrolman Hays gave the Owensboro Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Owensboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Owensboro Police Department has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Charles 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 1926, 22 officers in KY were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 55. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Charles had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Charles was 55. 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. Charles had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 55. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Owensboro Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% 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
Owensboro Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Owensboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
