Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Jailer Lykins suffocated to death after being overpowered and gagged during an escape attempt from the Boyle County Jail. Four inmates overpowered him, gagged him, and tied his head to cell bars during the escape shortly after 2300 hours. The gag that was placed in his mouth restricted his breathing. Several other inmates in the cell block at the time used a razor to free Deputy Jailer Lykins after the escaping inmates made their escape but were unable to resuscitate him. The four inmates who were all apprehended within 24 hours, plead guilty to murder, and were sentenced to life in prison. One has a parole hearing on May 1, 2016.
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BO-US-KY-E752E0D8- Stewardship
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- 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 Jailer Lykins served with the Boyle County Detention Center.
Thank you for your service to the Danville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Lykins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Jailer Joe C. Lykins 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joe C. Lykins's cause is highlighted.
How Joe C. Lykins Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joe C. Lykins is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joe C. Lykins was killed by person.