Roll of Honor
James D. Turner
Incident
Location: Kentucky Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Offender: Executed in 1932
Patrolman Turner was shot and killed in Richmond, Kentucky, by a suspect who had just shot and fatally wounded two other men. The suspect was running away from the original shooting when he saw Patrolman Turner talking to a crossing watchman. The suspect opened fire without warning, striking Patrolman Turner once, and knocking him down. The suspect then shot Patrolman Turner three more times. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Turner returned fire five times and struck the suspect once in the hand. The suspect was arrested.
The suspect, 30, was charged with three counts of murder and executed in the electric chair on December 17, 1932. On January 14, 1928, he shot and wounded Patrolman Turner in Richmond where he was a policeman. He served two years for attempted murder.
was charged with three counts of murder. On December 17, 1932, he was executed in the electric chair.
Patrolman Turner had been with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Police Department for six years and was survived by his wife and child.
Survivors
Patrolman Turner had been with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Police Department for six years and was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Turner gave the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Turner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James D. Turner 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 97,759 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 Louisville and Nashville Railroad Police Department, 10 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James D. Turner's cause is highlighted.
How James D. Turner Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James D. Turner is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James D. Turner was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Louisville and Nashville Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
