Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Joseph Horne and Sheriff Gay Hovatter, of the Tucker County Sheriff's Department, were shot and killed while arresting a man for stealing a coal truck. The officers had served the arrest warrant at the man's home and accompanied him inside to obtain personal effects. While inside, the man shot and killed both officers with a pistol he had hidden in his waistband. The suspect then shot Sheriff Hovatter's son, who had accompanied his father. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested the following day during a massive manhunt. The man was convicted of the murders and executed by hanging.
Survivors
Sergeant Horne had been employed with the West Virginia State Police for 20 years, and is survived by his wife and young daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-5AEDF1CD- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joseph. 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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Horne gave the West Virginia State Police 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the people of West Virginia. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Horne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Joseph Pierce Horne is one of 17,558 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,585 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 18.9 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At West Virginia State Police, 21 of 42 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph Pierce Horne's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Pierce Horne Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Pierce Horne is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Pierce Horne was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
41 officers from West Virginia State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
