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Incident
Acting Chief of Police Roy Knotts was shot in the back while serving warrants for the arrest of slot machine owners. As he entered an establishment to purchase cigarettes, the subject approached and shot Chief Knotts five times in the back.
The prior Chief of Police had recently resigned, fearing for his life after the Logan City Council ordered the arrest anybody operating a slot machine. Arrest warrants were found in Chief Knotts' pocket after his murder.
The subject was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Chief Knotts had previously served as the commander of the West Virginia State Police detachment in Logan.
The prior Chief of Police had recently resigned, fearing for his life after the Logan City Council ordered the arrest anybody operating a slot machine. Arrest warrants were found in Chief Knotts' pocket after his murder.
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Acting Chief of Police Knotts served with the Logan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Logan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Acting Chief of Police Knotts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Roy is the only officer of Logan Police Department remembered here.
Roy is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Roy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Roy 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 1930, 3 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Roy was 38. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Roy 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.
Roy 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
December holds 10.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Logan Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 18.9% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
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