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Incident
Jailer Charles West and Deputy Sheriff Foster Messer were shot and killed as they and another deputy attempted to serve a warrant on a man who had escaped from jail the previous week.
As they approached the man's home, they were fired upon from ambush. Jailer West and Deputy Messer were both killed, and the second deputy was wounded.
Six men were apprehended and charged with murder. One was convicted of murdering Jailer West and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Another was killed in a gunfight with another man four months later near Pineville.
Jailer West was survived by his ten children, sister, and 11 brothers.
Survivors
Jailer West was survived by his ten children, sister, and 11 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.
Jailer West served with the Knox County Detention Center.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer West.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Knox County Detention Center has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1923, 21 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 42. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Charles was 42. 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.
Charles was 42. 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%. Fridays: 12.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Knox County Detention Center. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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; 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
Knox County Detention Center has 2 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Knox County Detention Center are honored on badge.nw.