Carnie F. Hopkins
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Carnie Hopkins was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious hitchhiker near the intersection of US 60 and Highway 137 at 11:30 pm. He had radioed dispatch that he was exiting his patrol car to contact the person. A few minutes later, a dispatcher, who was en route to work, located his body. He had been shot once in the chest with his own service weapon. The suspect has never been identified, and the case remains unsolved. Deputy Hopkins was a United States Air Force World War II veteran and served with the Livingston County Sheriff's Department for two years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, mother, five brothers, two sisters, and two grandchildren. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Ledbetter, Livingston County, Kentucky.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, mother, five brothers, two sisters, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-8C5761F1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Hopkins gave the Livingston County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Smithland community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Carnie F. Hopkins served in the Army (1947â1951) before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Carnie F. Hopkins is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Livingston County Sheriff's Department, 3 of 3 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. Carnie F. Hopkins's cause is highlighted.
How Carnie F. Hopkins Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Carnie F. Hopkins is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Carnie F. Hopkins was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Livingston County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
