Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Constable William Hamilton was shot and killed while investigating the sounds of gunfire coming from a home near Melvin, Kentucky.
When he approached the homeowner and inquired about the gunshots the owner told him he was firing at a rat.
When Deputy Hamilton told the man he was going to confiscate his pistol the man opened fire, striking Deputy Hamilton in the head and chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Hamilton was able to fire one shot but did not strike the man. Deputy Hamilton was taken to a hospital in Pikeville where he died early the next morning.
Another deputy arrested the man for Deputy Hamilton's murder and also arrested the man's son-in-law after finding mash and a still underneath the home.
Deputy Hamilton was survived by his wife and seven children.
Survivors
Deputy Hamilton was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-E53D31D4- 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 Constable Hamilton served with the Floyd County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Prestonburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Hamilton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Constable William Hamilton 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 Floyd County Constable's Office, 11 of 11 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. William Hamilton's cause is highlighted.
How William Hamilton Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Hamilton is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Hamilton was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Floyd County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
