Kentucky Judge Shot and Killed in His Chambers; Sheriff Charged with Murder

Sheriff Rick Jones Has Been Charged With Murder in Connection With the Shooting Death of Kentucky Judge William Garnett

Pike County Circuit Judge William Garnett was shot and killed in his chambers at the Pike County Courthouse in Pikeville, Kentucky, on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Sheriff Rick Jones has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting.

Jones was arrested on Friday, January 13, 2023, and charged with murder, wanton endangerment, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

The Kentucky State Police is investigating the shooting. A motive for the shooting has not been released.

Garnett, 65, was a lifelong resident of Pike County. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky College of Law. He was elected to the Pike County Circuit Court in 2018.

Jones, 67, is a former police officer and coal miner. He was elected sheriff of Pike County in 2022.

The shooting has shocked the community of Pikeville. Garnett was a well-respected judge, and Jones was a popular elected official.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.