Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff John Roach was shot and killed by a former deputy who was upset that he was not appointed to another term by the sheriff.
The former deputy, after learning that other deputies had been sworn in on the first day of the Circuit Court session, went to the sheriff's office and confronted him. After a brief argument, the former deputy retrieved his pistol from a safe. As the sheriff took a step toward him he was shot several times and killed.
The subject was taken to a jail in a neighboring city to prevent a mob from attacking him. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Sheriff Roach was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-EE0EF748- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff Roach served with the Graves County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Mayfield community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John T. Roach served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Sheriff John T. Roach 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 Graves County Sheriff's 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. John T. Roach's cause is highlighted.
How John T. Roach Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 7 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John T. Roach is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John T. Roach was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Graves County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
