Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Robert Hensley were shot and killed while investigating a truck that was stuck in a ditch on the side of a roadway. Three men, two a father and son, were apprehended. Four years later after several postponements and changes of venues they were tried and acquitted.
Survivors
Sheriff Taylor was survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-8BAC3B21- 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 Taylor served with the Owsley County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Booneville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Taylor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Clarence Taylor 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 Owsley County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Clarence Taylor's cause is highlighted.
How Clarence Taylor Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Clarence Taylor is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Clarence Taylor was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Owsley County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
