Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal Asa Pettit was shot and killed as he and two other men attempted to arrest five drunkards who had come into town and started firing their guns in the air.
As the officers approached, the men opened fire, killing Marshal Pettit. The other two officers retreated and returned to town to obtain reinforcements.
One suspect fled the scene, but the other four suspects were arrested. Two weeks later a mob took the suspected killer from the county jail, put a rope around his neck, and drug him to a nearby creek where he was drowned. The same day the one who fled was apprehended in Lexington. All four were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. One was paroled on August 3, 1922.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-6B216C48- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Asa. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Marshal Pettit served with the Clay City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Clay City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Pettit.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal Asa T. Pettit 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 Clay City Police Department, 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. Asa T. Pettit's cause is highlighted.
How Asa T. Pettit Compares
Offender Outcome
One lynched; Four sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Asa T. Pettit is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Asa T. Pettit was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Clay City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
