Deputy Jailer Luther Willis Hammond, Shelby County Detention Center, Kentucky

Deputy Jailer Luther Willis Hammond

Shelby County Detention Center, Kentucky

End of Watch Monday, February 18, 1957

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Luther Willis Hammond

Deputy Jailer Luther Hammond succumbed to wounds received when he was assaulted by two inmates who escaped from the Shelby County Detention Center at 501 Main Street in Shelbyville.

He suffered a concussion and a broken arm, went into a coma, developed pneumonia, and died as a result six days later.

Both inmates, age 30, were apprehended three days later in Bagdad, Kentucky. Both were awaiting trial for forgery. One faced a judge the same day he was apprehended, found guilty of forgery, and sentenced to 10 years. Both were charged with Jailer Hammond's murder.

Deputy Jailer Hammond had served with the Shelby County Detention Center for 11 years and previously served as a police officer in Shelby County. He was survived by his wife, two brothers, and four sisters.

Bio

Age 72
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Incident Date Tuesday, February 12, 1957
Weapon Person
Offender Charged with murder

correctional Facility, escape

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Most Recent Reflection

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Though my Uncle Luther died 8 years before I was born, I think his service in law enforcement influenced my decision to pursue a career in law enforcement.
To Clive, I think the story of Aunt Lena (Grandmommy as I called her) shooting the inmates is not accurate. I had the honor of researching the incident so that Uncle Luther could have his name added to the National Memorial in Washington DC.
Newspaper articles indicate that two inmates pushed him down some cellar steps during an escape. Luther Hammond would die days later from his injuries in that fall. The escapees were located a day or two later in nearby Bagdad, KY. I do not know what kind of sentence the killers received.
Think Mayberry to understand the Shelbyville Jail. Uncle Luther and Grandmommy lived at the small jail where prisoners were housed. They personally cooked the meals for the inmates. I think my mom, Carrol Frances Heberle (Whitehouse) lived with them during summer break from school.
I understand he was a great man.

Captain Teal Nally
Covington KY Police (Retired) (Great Nephew)

December 7, 2012