Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Jailer Luther Hammond succumbed to wounds received when he was assaulted by two inmates who escaped from the Shelby County Detention Center at 501 Main Street in Shelbyville.
He suffered a concussion and a broken arm, went into a coma, developed pneumonia, and died as a result six days later.
Both inmates, age 30, were apprehended three days later in Bagdad, Kentucky. Both were awaiting trial for forgery. One faced a judge the same day he was apprehended, found guilty of forgery, and sentenced to 10 years. Both were charged with Jailer Hammond's murder.
Deputy Jailer Hammond had served with the Shelby County Detention Center for 11 years and previously served as a police officer in Shelby County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two brothers, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-339B241E- 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.
Deputy Jailer Hammond gave the Shelby County Detention Center 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Shelbyville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Hammond.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Jailer Luther Willis Hammond 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 Shelby County Detention Center, 2 of 2 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. Luther Willis Hammond's cause is highlighted.
How Luther Willis Hammond Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Luther Willis Hammond is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Luther Willis Hammond was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Shelby County Detention Center are honored on badge.nw.
