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Incident
Sheriff Estill Adkins was shot and killed as he and two deputies attempted to arrest a 49-year-old man wanted for cutting another man's throat earlier in the day.
The sheriff and deputies had gone to Rocky Branch, where they encountered the suspect. The man opened fire on the officers, killing Sheriff Adkins, before being wounded by return fire. He was arrested, convicted of Sheriff Adkins' murder, and sentenced to life.
Sheriff Adkins had served as sheriff of Elliott County Sheriff's Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
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.
Sheriff Adkins gave the Elliott County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sandy Hook community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Adkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elliott County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Estill is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Estill is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Estill 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 1947, 8 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1947, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1947, 87 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Estill was 27. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Estill had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Estill was 27. 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. Estill had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Estill was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Estill had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.3% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Elliott County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Elliott County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Estill among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Elliott County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
