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Elijah Roberts
Incident
Game Warden Elijah Roberts was shot and killed from ambush in Whick, Breathitt County, by two suspects who were seeking revenge against him. He and another game warden were returning from a multi-day investigation in Hazard and had returned to Whick via train.
They were walking from the depot to Warden Roberts' home one-half mile away when the two suspects opened fire from a nearby cliff, hidden in a cluster of bushes. Game Warden Roberts was struck in the chest by the first shot and was then shot four more times after falling to the ground. The other game warden found shelter in a nearby cornfield.
The two suspects approached Warden Roberts' body and then robbed it of his wallet, pistol, and shoes. The two men were scared away when Warden Roberts' 9-year-old son ran up to the scene and discovered the men.
It is believed that the two suspects had learned that Warden Roberts would be returning to the area and had laid in wait overnight to ambush him. Warden Roberts was targeted because of his efforts to arrest game violators and moonshiners in Breathitt County.
Warden Roberts had served as the game warden for Breathitt County and surrounding areas for over three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Game Warden Roberts gave the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 3 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Game Warden Roberts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Elijah is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Elijah is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elijah 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 1918, 7 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elijah was 47. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Elijah had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Elijah was 47. 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. Elijah had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elijah was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elijah had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, 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 rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has 9 officers remembered here, Elijah among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are honored on badge.nw.
