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Incident
Deputy Jailer Benton Sizemore was shot and killed while responding to the scene of a shooting involving the county jailer.
The county jailer and his wife were visiting relatives when a truck full of assailants pulled up and opened fire on them, fatally wounding the jailer. The jailer and one of the occupants had been involved in an argument earlier in the week.
Deputy Jailer Sizemore was on duty at the jail when he was notified of the incident. He and another person started towards the shooting scene when they encountered the suspects coming towards them. The suspects opened fire on them, fatally wounding Deputy Jailer Sizemore.
Five suspects were eventually taken into custody, charged with the murders, and released after posting bonds. Charges were dismissed two years later after two mistrials.
Deputy jailer Sizemore was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Deputy jailer Sizemore was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Jailer Sizemore served with the Breathitt County Jail.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Sizemore.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Breathitt County Jail has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Benton is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Benton is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Benton 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 1940, 13 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1940, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1940, 226 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Benton was 25. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Benton was 25. 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.
Benton was 25. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Breathitt County Jail. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.6% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Breathitt County Jail has 4 officers remembered here, Benton among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Breathitt County Jail are honored on badge.nw.