Breathitt County Constable's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch Saturday, January 29, 1927
Add to My HeroesJames Spencer
Constable Jim Spencer was shot and killed in Jackson, Kentucky, after ejecting three brothers from a restaurant for acting disorderly.
After ejecting them he was called to another restaurant where he ejected them again. As Constable Spencer struck up a conversation with some of the patrons the three entered and one shot him in the head.
All three brothers, 18, 22, and 24, were arrested and charged with murder. Charges were dropped against one. The gunman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Two years later his sentence was commuted to 10 years. The third suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years. He was paroled on June 24, 1931.
Constable Spencer was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.
Constable Spencer's brother, Constable Henry Spencer, succeeded him in office and was shot and mortally in the line of duty wounded on October 29th, 1927. Constable Henry Spencer died from his wounds on November 2nd, 1927.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, January 23, 1927
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 10 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsConstable Spencer,
On today, the 98th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Breathitt County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 29, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

