Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Dona Arnett was intentionally struck and killed as he walked along Route 7 near his home in Royalton. Two men who had previously been arrested by Sheriff Arnett had planned to go to his home to murder him.
As they approached the home they saw him walking along the street. They waited until he was in a more isolated area, turned around, and struck him. They then ran over him a second time before fleeing.
Both suspects were later arrested by the Kentucky State Police and charged with murder. The 22-year-old driver was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Sheriff Arnett was serving his second year of a four year term as sheriff.
Papaw, three years ago I retired after 20 years of service with the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Last year I started working for the same agency that you served as sheriff over 60 years ago.
Certified Court Security Officer and Great Grandson Tommy S. Campbell June 11th, 2024
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-04252059- 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.
Sheriff Arnett served with the Magoffin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Salyersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Arnett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Dona Arnett 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%.
At Magoffin County Sheriff's Office, 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. Dona Arnett's cause is highlighted.
How Dona Arnett Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dona Arnett is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dona Arnett was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Magoffin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
