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Incident
Deputy Jailer Luther Hammond succumbed to wounds received when he was assaulted by two inmates who escaped from the Shelby County Detention Center at 501 Main Street in Shelbyville.
He suffered a concussion and a broken arm, went into a coma, developed pneumonia, and died as a result six days later.
Both inmates, age 30, were apprehended three days later in Bagdad, Kentucky. Both were awaiting trial for forgery. One faced a judge the same day he was apprehended, found guilty of forgery, and sentenced to 10 years. Both were charged with Jailer Hammond's murder.
Deputy Jailer Hammond had served with the Shelby County Detention Center for 11 years and previously served as a police officer in Shelby County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two brothers, and four sisters.
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 Hammond gave the Shelby County Detention Center 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Shelbyville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Hammond.
— 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.
Luther is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Luther is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Luther is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1957, 4 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1957, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1957, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Luther was 72. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Luther had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Luther was 72. 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. Luther had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Luther was 72. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Luther had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% 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 person, 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 person, in 0.8% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Shelby County Detention Center has 2 officers remembered here, Luther among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-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.
