Metcalfe County - Slaying of Judge Pickett

Edmonton shocked, saddened by slaying of Judge Pickett
The worst that ever happened here (on May 15, 1967)

Edmonton Residents were shocked and saddened as details of the Monday evening pistol slaying of City Police Judge Cecil Pickett spread through the town. Lodged in the Metcalfe County jail, charged with willful murder, is Burnell "Butch" Grissom, 21, of Edmonton. He is being held without bond. Judge Pickett is said to have driven the accused's brother, Raymond Grissom, to the Ed Grissom home, which is located behind the Edmonton Stock Yards. Ed Grissom is the father of the two Grissom boys. From reports, Judge Pickett was acting in a neighborly gesture which was in no way connected to his duties as judge. There at the Grissom home, Judge Pickett was attacked with a barrage from a .38 caliber pistol. Bullets entered the Judge's head and side. Death was instant. Immediately following the shooting, "Butch" Grissom whent to Sherrif Royce Smith's home and surrendered. The incident was investigated by State Detective Bill Lloyd, Metcalfe County Sheriff Royce Smith, and Kentucky trooper Kenneth Smith. Judge Pickett, who came to office in a landslide victory in November, 1965, had built a reputation as a stern-but fair- police judge. Mayor Butler and members of the City Council have expressed concern over the difficulties which are faced in finding a man of the qualities Cecil Pickett exemplified to take the job. According to City Attorney John Blevins, the appointment of Judge Pickett's successor will be made by the Governor.

Excerpt from large article in The Edmonton, Ky. Herald-News - Thursday May 18, 1967

This was submitted by Anita Randy Bryan.