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Incident
Sheriff O. Gay Hovatter and Sergeant Joseph Horne, of the West Virginia State Police, were shot and killed while arresting a man for stealing a coal truck. The officers had served the arrest warrant at the man's home and accompanied him inside to obtain personal effects. While inside, the man shot and killed both officers with a pistol he had hidden in his waistband. The suspect then shot Sheriff Hovatter's son, who had accompanied his father. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested the following day during a massive manhunt. The man was convicted of the murders and executed by hanging.
Survivors
Sheriff Hovatter was survived by his wife, four children, and two brothers.
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 Hovatter served with the Tucker County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Parsons community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Hovatter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
O. is the only officer of Tucker County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
O. is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
O. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
O. 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 1946, 4 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
September holds 7.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Mondays: 16%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Tucker County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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