Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Kenny Moats was shot and killed after responding to a domestic violence call at a home near the intersection of Kerrway Lane and Alcoa Trail at approximately 4:00 pm.
Patrol units had responded to the home earlier in the day for a domestic dispute. Patrol units were sent to the address a second time when another call was received by dispatchers stating one of the subjects was now armed. Officer Moats and a second narcotics detective who happened to be in the area responded to the scene to assist patrol units.
They parked their vehicle approximately 70 yards from the residence and assisted one person from the home before taking cover behind their car. As they waited for patrol units to arrive the subject opened fire from a garage, striking Officer Moats in the neck. The other detective as well as a responding Blount County sheriff's deputy were able to return fire before taking the subject into custody.
On May 1, 2017, the suspect pleaded guilty to murder and five other charges. He was sentenced to life without parole plus 56 years.
Officer Moats had served with the Maryville Police Department for nine years and was assigned to the Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-415EAD39- 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.
Police Officer Moats gave the Maryville Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Maryville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Moats.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Kenneth Ray Moats 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Maryville Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Kenneth Ray Moats's cause is highlighted.
How Kenneth Ray Moats Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Kenneth Ray Moats is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Kenneth Ray Moats was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Maryville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
