Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Estes was shot and killed while chasing a bootlegger on Kenton Street. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. He was paroled in 1944.
Survivors
Lieutenant Estes was survived by his wife, son, mother, brother, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-90DF1285- 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.
Lieutenant Estes served with the Lexington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Estes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Lieutenant J. J. Estes 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 Lexington Police Department, 8 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. J. Estes's cause is highlighted.
How J. J. Estes Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1944
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. J. Estes is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. J. Estes was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Lexington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
