Sheriff Sam L. Green, Rowan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

Sheriff Sam L. Green

Rowan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Sunday, December 31, 1961

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Sam L. Green

Sheriff Sam Green was shot and killed by a suspect while serving a warrant as a result of a domestic disturbance earlier in the day.

He was assisting the city police department and had gone to the home with a city police officer. The city officer went to the front door and Sheriff Green went to the back door. As the sheriff approached the back door, the suspect fired a 16 gauge shotgun through the door, striking him.

The suspect then stole Sheriff Green's gun and attempted to flee. He then shot and wounded the city police officer as the officer came around the house after hearing the gunfire. The suspect was arrested approximately 45 minutes later. The man was sentenced to life in prison but released after serving only 12 years. He later died of tuberculosis.

Sheriff Green had served with the Rowan County Sheriff's Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 59
Tour 12 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 16 gauge
Offender Life sentence: paroled after 12 years

warrant service

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I lived just down the street when Sam got killed. Orville Perry was wanting to kill Carl Johnson for beating him with a slap jack. Perry thought he shot Carl when Sam came through the back door. Sam was a hero and a great person and always saw him at Christmas giving fruit and candy to the most unfortunate families. One of my heroes since I was 10 years old and knew him well. My father said he was from Sandy Hook .

Frank Skaggs
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November 9, 2023