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Incident
Sheriff Dona Arnett was intentionally struck and killed as he walked along Route 7 near his home in Royalton around 1:00 a.m.
Two men who had previously been arrested by Sheriff Arnett had planned to go to his home to murder him. As they approached the home, they saw him walking along the street. They waited until he was in a more isolated area, turned around, and struck him. They then ran over him a second time before fleeing.
Both suspects were later arrested by the Kentucky State Police and charged with murder. The 22-year-old driver pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Arnett served with the Magoffin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Salyersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Arnett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Magoffin County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Dona is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Dona is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dona 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 1959, 4 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1959, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1959, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dona was 62. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Dona was 62. 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.
Dona was 62. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Magoffin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 1.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Magoffin County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Dona among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Magoffin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
