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Former Sheriff in South Central Kentucky Murdered

An 81-year-old western Kentucky man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a former law enforcement officer. 

Kentucky State Police say Charles Hammer of Tompkinsville was arrested Tuesday and taken to the Monroe County jail.  Police say he is charged with killing 82-year-old Herbert Proffitt, who served 50 years in law enforcement including terms as the Tompkinsville police chief and the Monroe County sheriff.

Police did not immediately release other details about the shooting, which is still being investigated. 

Online jail records don't say whether Hammer has an attorney.