Kentucky Sheriff Charged With Murder After District Judge Found Dead in His Office

Former Kentucky Sheriff Richard Catron arrested

Former Leslie County Sheriff Richard Catron was arrested and charged with the murder of District Judge William Logan, whose body was found in his office on June 30, according to Kentucky State Police.

Investigators said they are still trying to determine a motive in the killing of Logan, 63, who was found shot to death in his office in the courthouse in Hyden, about 110 miles southeast of Lexington.

Catron, 64, was arrested at his home in Hyden on Thursday night, July 6, 2023, and charged with murder, according to police. He was being held in the Leslie County Detention Center.

Logan was shot multiple times

Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart said Logan was shot multiple times. He said an autopsy was being performed, but he could not release the results.

Gayheart said investigators were still trying to determine a motive in the killing, but he said Catron and Logan had a "prior relationship," though he could not elaborate.

Catron was fired by Logan in 2020 after being indicted on charges of official misconduct, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Catron was accused of using his office for personal gain, including using county equipment and personnel to work on his farm.

Catron's attorney: 'He is innocent'

Catron's attorney, Scott White, said his client is innocent. "He is a good man who has served his community for many years," White said. "We are confident that he will be exonerated."

If convicted of murder, Catron could face life in prison.