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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Janey was shot and killed while conducting a stakeout at a residence believed to be the target of an arson. At approximately 1:15 am, he observed a suspect enter the house with two one-gallon jugs. Deputy Janey moved to the side of the house and observed the man inside spreading the contents of the jugs on the floor. The suspect spotted Deputy Janey and fled out of the rear of the house. Deputy Janey gave caught the subject following a short foot pursuit and put one handcuff on him. The man then spun around and struck Deputy Janey in the head with the handcuff, pulled a .357 caliber handgun from the front of his waistband, and shot Deputy Janey twice in the chest. As Deputy Janey lay on the ground the man then shot him once more in the head. The subject was apprehended and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 2011 and again in 2017. He died in March 2020 while still incarcerated. Deputy Janey had served with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He was survived by his parents, sister, brother, two nieces, and a nephew. In 2018, the I-64 overpass at Cow Creek was renamed the Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Janey Memorial Bridge.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, sister, brother, two nieces, and a nephew.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Janey gave the Putnam County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Winfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Janey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jonathan is the only officer of Putnam County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Jonathan is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Jonathan is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jonathan 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 1989, 2 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1989, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1989, 108 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jonathan was 32. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Jonathan had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Jonathan 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. Jonathan had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jonathan was 32. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jonathan had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 14.2% of these deaths in WV, more than any other month. Thursdays: 9.5%.
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 1 deaths at Putnam County Sheriff's Office. 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 34,102 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 13-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Putnam County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.