Officer Roy Hobson Mardis, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Police Department, Kentucky

Officer Roy Hobson Mardis

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Friday, August 23, 1985

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Roy Hobson Mardis

Officer Roy Mardis was accidentally shot and killed by another officer in Mercer County while he and his bloodhound tracked an escapee who had committed a double-murder.

He and the bloodhound had tracked the man through a cornfield and as the man ran from the field officers on the perimeter opened fire, accidentally striking Officer Mardis.

The suspect Officer Mardis was tracking was apprehended and sentenced to death for the double murder.

Officer Mardis had served with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife and seven daughters.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Mardis,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 23, 2025