Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Hays and Patrolman Robert Rowland were shot and killed while attempting to question two brothers about a stolen automobile at the garage they operated in Franklin. One of the brothers was sentenced to life and one was sentenced to six years. The brother who was released after only six years went on to murder Deputy Sheriff Melvin Fleming, of the Davidson County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Department, and Detective Charles Mundy, of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department. The two were murdered after Deputy Fleming attempted to arrest the man in a restaurant for being drunk in public. The man was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout. Patrolman Hays had served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol for five months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-F9E623BA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of Kentucky. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James Powell Hays 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 97,772 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 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Kentucky Highway Patrol, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Powell Hays's cause is highlighted.
How James Powell Hays Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Powell Hays is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Powell Hays was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Kentucky Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
