Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Janey was shot and killed while conducting a stakeout at a residence believed to be the target of an arson. At approximately 1:15 am, he observed a suspect enter the house with two one-gallon jugs. Deputy Janey moved to the side of the house and observed the man inside spreading the contents of the jugs on the floor. The suspect spotted Deputy Janey and fled out of the rear of the house. Deputy Janey gave caught the subject following a short foot pursuit and put one handcuff on him. The man then spun around and struck Deputy Janey in the head with the handcuff, pulled a .357 caliber handgun from the front of his waistband, and shot Deputy Janey twice in the chest. As Deputy Janey lay on the ground the man then shot him once more in the head. The subject was apprehended and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 2011 and again in 2017. He died in March 2020 while still incarcerated. Deputy Janey had served with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He was survived by his parents, sister, brother, two nieces, and a nephew. In 2018, the I-64 overpass at Cow Creek was renamed the Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Janey Memorial Bridge.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, sister, brother, two nieces, and a nephew.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-312EB647- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jonathan. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Janey gave the Putnam County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Winfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Janey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Dwayne Janey 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jonathan Dwayne Janey's cause is highlighted.
How Jonathan Dwayne Janey Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jonathan Dwayne Janey is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jonathan Dwayne Janey was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.