Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Will Thornbserry and his cousin, Justice of the Peace AJ Thornsberry, were shot and killed from ambush while on their way to destroy a moonshine still near Prestonburg.
The suspect was convicted of the murders and served two years in the Kentucky State Penitentiary.
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BO-US-KY-FF10E900- Stewardship
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- 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.
Constable Thornsberry served with the Knott County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hindman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Thornsberry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Will Thornsberry 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. Will Thornsberry's cause is highlighted.
How Will Thornsberry Compares
Offender Outcome
Released after 2 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Will Thornsberry is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Will Thornsberry was killed by gun; unknown type.