Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Dona Arnett was intentionally struck and killed as he walked along Route 7 near his home in Royalton around 1:00 a.m.
Two men who had previously been arrested by Sheriff Arnett had planned to go to his home to murder him. As they approached the home, they saw him walking along the street. They waited until he was in a more isolated area, turned around, and struck him. They then ran over him a second time before fleeing.
Both suspects were later arrested by the Kentucky State Police and charged with murder. The 22-year-old driver pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-04252059- 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.
Sheriff Arnett served with the Magoffin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Salyersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Arnett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Dona Arnett 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 Magoffin County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 4 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. Dona Arnett's cause is highlighted.
How Dona Arnett Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dona Arnett is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dona Arnett was killed by automobile.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Magoffin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
