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Incident
Police Officer Kenny Moats was shot and killed after responding to a domestic violence call at a home near the intersection of Kerrway Lane and Alcoa Trail at approximately 4:00 pm.
Patrol units had responded to the home earlier in the day for a domestic dispute. Patrol units were sent to the address a second time when another call was received by dispatchers stating one of the subjects was now armed. Officer Moats and a second narcotics detective who happened to be in the area responded to the scene to assist patrol units.
They parked their vehicle approximately 70 yards from the residence and assisted one person from the home before taking cover behind their car. As they waited for patrol units to arrive the subject opened fire from a garage, striking Officer Moats in the neck. The other detective as well as a responding Blount County sheriff's deputy were able to return fire before taking the subject into custody.
On May 1, 2017, the suspect pleaded guilty to murder and five other charges. He was sentenced to life without parole plus 56 years.
Officer Moats had served with the Maryville Police Department for nine years and was assigned to the Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three 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.
Police Officer Moats gave the Maryville Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Maryville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Moats.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Maryville Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Kenneth is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2016, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 2016, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2016, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 83rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kenneth was 32. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Kenneth had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Kenneth was 32. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Kenneth had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kenneth was 32. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Kenneth had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Maryville Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 1.2% 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; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Maryville Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Kenneth among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Maryville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
