JR
John Roach
1922
John T. Roach.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Sheriff John Roach was shot and killed by a former deputy who was upset that he was not appointed to another term by the sheriff.
The former deputy, after learning that other deputies had been sworn in on the first day of the Circuit Court session, went to the sheriff's office and confronted him. After a brief argument, the former deputy retrieved his pistol from a safe. As the sheriff took a step toward him he was shot several times and killed.
The subject was taken to a jail in a neighboring city to prevent a mob from attacking him. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Sheriff Roach was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.
The former deputy, after learning that other deputies had been sworn in on the first day of the Circuit Court session, went to the sheriff's office and confronted him. After a brief argument, the former deputy retrieved his pistol from a safe. As the sheriff took a step toward him he was shot several times and killed.
The subject was taken to a jail in a neighboring city to prevent a mob from attacking him. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Sheriff Roach was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five brothers.
Service Record
Also Served
Graves County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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