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Incident
Patrolman Scotty Hamilton was shot and killed at approximately 11:30 pm as he and a Kentucky State Police trooper conducted criminal patrol on Hurricane Road, in the Hurricane Creek area of Pike County.
The officers were in the area as a result of recent narcotics activity when they encountered a suspicious vehicle. As Patrolman Hamilton checked the area for the vehicle's occupants he encountered a man and was shot in the head.
One subject was taken into custody at the scene. The man who shot Patrolman Hamilton fled the scene but apprehended two days later. In December 2018 he pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison with no parole.
Patrolman Hamilton had served with the Pikeville Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Hamilton gave the Pikeville Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pikeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hamilton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pikeville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Scotty is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Scotty is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Scotty 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 2018, 3 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 2018, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2018, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Scotty was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Scotty had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Scotty was 35. 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. Scotty had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Scotty was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Scotty had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Pikeville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Pikeville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Scotty among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pikeville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
