Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Mays was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two brothers at the Locust Grove Church, just over the county line in Whitley County.
The two brothers were arrested by the Whitley County sheriff and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. One was pardoned on September 18, 1924, by Governor W. J. Fields because he had tuberculosis. He died four days later. The other brother was eventually released and was killed September 28, 1937, victim of a hit and run accident. A third brother and their father were convicted of conspiracy and also received prison terms.
Deputy Mays was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Mays was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-691B7C6D- 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 Sheriff Mays served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Mays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John H. Mays 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 Knox County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 9 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. John H. Mays's cause is highlighted.
How John H. Mays Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. Mays is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John H. Mays was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Knox County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
