Landon Isaac Knox was a 17-year-old White male from Hodgenville, Kentucky, known by friends and family as a funny, kind, and selfless person. A student at LaRue County High School who also worked at Pizza Hut, Landon was described as energetic and compassionate. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 3, 2022, a dispute between two teenagers ended in tragedy. Just before 5:00 a.m.
at a residence on East Forest Avenue in Hodgenville, Landon was involved in a verbal confrontation with 15-year-old Cody Love. The altercation escalated, and Love shot Landon. Emergency responders transported Landon to the University of Louisville Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The coroner later ruled his death a homicide.
The Hodgenville Police Department and Kentucky State Police launched an investigation that quickly led to the arrest of Cody Love. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center. The case proceeded through the justice system, and in June 2023, a LaRue County Grand Jury indicted Love on charges of murder, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a minor. A decision was made to try the teenager as an adult.
Though a trial was scheduled, the case concluded with a plea agreement. Cody Love pleaded guilty to amended charges of second-degree manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a minor (first offense). As part of the plea deal, a sentence of 15 years in prison was recommended. This agreement, reached after his June 2023 indictment, brought a conclusion to the court proceedings.
