Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Dwayne Janey, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, West Virginia

Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Dwayne Janey

Putnam County Sheriff's Office, West Virginia

End of Watch Thursday, August 17, 1989

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Jonathan Dwayne Janey

Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Janey was shot and killed while conducting a stakeout at a residence believed to be the target of an arson.

At approximately 1:15 am, he observed a suspect enter the house with two one-gallon jugs. Deputy Janey moved to the side of the house and observed the man inside spreading the contents of the jugs on the floor. The suspect spotted Deputy Janey and fled out of the rear of the house. Deputy Janey gave caught the subject following a short foot pursuit and put one handcuff on him.

The man then spun around and struck Deputy Janey in the head with the handcuff, pulled a .357 caliber handgun from the front of his waistband, and shot Deputy Janey twice in the chest. As Deputy Janey lay on the ground the man then shot him once more in the head.

The subject was apprehended and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 2011 and again in 2017. He died in March 2020 while still incarcerated.

Deputy Janey had served with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He was survived by his parents, sister, brother, two nieces, and a nephew.

In 2018, the I-64 overpass at Cow Creek was renamed the Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Janey Memorial Bridge.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 9 years
Badge 34

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
Offender Died in prison

arson, foot pursuit, stakeout

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Most Recent Reflection

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Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

To your niece Sara, thank you for all you did to make sure a ruthless, disgusting human being stayed where he belonged. I'm sure it was more than challenging in a system that doesn't always seem to favor the good during a time when the evildoers are painted as the victims, but you persevered for the sake of your uncle and for all of LE everywhere. As I mentioned above, your uncle will never be forgotten and may God Bless you and all of your family.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 17, 2020