Prev
Incident
Constable Will Thornbserry and his cousin, Justice of the Peace AJ Thornsberry, were shot and killed from ambush while on their way to destroy a moonshine still near Prestonburg.
The suspect was convicted of the murders and served two years in the Kentucky State Penitentiary.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsnqj8hph6w5s0x59wj- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Will. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Thornsberry served with the Knott County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hindman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Thornsberry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Will is the only officer of Knott County Constable's Office remembered here.
Will is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Will is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Will 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 1928, 20 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Will was 38. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Will was 38. 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.
Will was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Knott County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Knott County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.