Roll of Honor
Elijah Roberts
Incident
Game Warden Elijah Roberts was shot and killed from ambush in Whick, Breathitt County, by two suspects who were seeking revenge against him. He and another game warden were returning from a multi-day investigation in Hazard and had returned to Whick via train.
They were walking from the depot to Warden Roberts' home one-half mile away when the two suspects opened fire from a nearby cliff, hidden in a cluster of bushes. Game Warden Roberts was struck in the chest by the first shot and was then shot four more times after falling to the ground. The other game warden found shelter in a nearby cornfield.
The two suspects approached Warden Roberts' body and then robbed it of his wallet, pistol, and shoes. The two men were scared away when Warden Roberts' 9-year-old son ran up to the scene and discovered the men.
It is believed that the two suspects had learned that Warden Roberts would be returning to the area and had laid in wait overnight to ambush him. Warden Roberts was targeted because of his efforts to arrest game violators and moonshiners in Breathitt County.
Warden Roberts had served as the game warden for Breathitt County and surrounding areas for over three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-27FCB8C0- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Game Warden Roberts gave the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 3 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Game Warden Roberts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Game Warden Elijah Roberts 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 Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 4 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Elijah Roberts's cause is highlighted.
How Elijah Roberts Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Elijah Roberts is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Elijah Roberts was killed by rifle; winchester.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are honored on badge.nw.
