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Incident
Deputy Jailer Charles Wentworth was shot and killed during an escape attempt at the Shelby County Jail at 501 Main Street in Shelbyville. An inmate's girlfriend had smuggled a handgun into the jail. As Deputy Wentworth escorted the inmate to use the phone, he was shot in the abdomen and killed. The inmate was captured, pleaded guilty to murder, and sentenced to two life terms in prison. the inmate's girlfriend was sentenced to 20 years for complicity to murder, complicity to escape, and theft charges. Deputy Wentworth had served with the Shelby County Detention Center for two weeks and previously served as a constable.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Jailer Wentworth served with the Shelby County Detention Center.
Thank you for your service to the Shelbyville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Wentworth.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Shelby County Detention Center has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1983, 2 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1983, 106 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1983, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 45. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Charles had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Charles was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Shelby County Detention Center. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Shelby County Detention Center has 2 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Shelby County Detention Center are honored on badge.nw.
