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Incident
Sheriff Morgan was shot and killed in Hyden by a local prominent citizen over an election dispute. The suspect barricaded himself in the Citizens National Bank as fighting broke out among local citizens, some who wanted to lynch the suspect, others who considered him a hero for killing the sheriff. The Governor called out the Kentucky National Guard who restored law and order and arrested the suspect. The suspect, age 50, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Morgan served with the Leslie County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hyden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Morgan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Leslie County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
Joe is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Joe is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joe 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 1925, 1 officer at Leslie County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1925, 14 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joe was 48. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Leslie County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 34.5 and 54; the middle age was 49.5.
Joe was 48. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Joe was 48. 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.
Joe was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 22.2% of these deaths at Leslie County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Saturdays: 11.1%.
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90% of all 10 deaths at Leslie County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 44.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.4% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Leslie County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, Joe among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Leslie County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
