Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Jailer Marvin Conover was shot and killed while assisting a deputy sheriff to serve a warrant on a man for failure to appear in court.
When the two lawmen arrived at the man's home in the northern part of the county, it was beginning to get dark. After serving the warrant, they decided to stay the night at the man's home and to return to the courthouse in the morning.
At some point during the night, the man's brother came to his home and was informed that his brother was under arrest. The man's brother then told the lawmen they would not be allowed to leave with the man in custody.
When morning came, Deputy Jailer Conover, the deputy, and the prisoner started out for the courthouse. After taking a few steps from the home, the brother appeared from behind a large tree and shot Deputy Jailer Conover with a 12-gauge shotgun. The deputy sheriff returned fire as the prisoner and brother escaped into the woods.
The brother was arrested following a search by a well-known tracker. However, he escaped from jail but was arrested again in Tennessee. He was returned to Adair County where he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He became ill in prison and was released after serving only 18 years. He died a short time after being released.
Deputy Jailer Conover was buried in Haven Hill Cemetery.
Marvin, On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Adair County.
BPA Mike Casey United States Border Patrol(Retired) March 29th, 2024
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- 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.
Deputy Jailer Conover served with the Adair County Regional Jail.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Conover.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Jailer Marvin Conover 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 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 22.6 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. Marvin Conover's cause is highlighted.
How Marvin Conover Compares
Offender Outcome
Released after 18 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Marvin Conover is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Marvin Conover was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.