SOMERSET, Ky.?A sniper shot and killed a rural county sheriff who had just spoken at a political rally while seeking his fifth term. A man who left the rally on a motorcycle was charged with the slaying early Sunday.

Sheriff Sam Catron, whose police chief father was shot and killed on duty 38 years ago, was shot in the face Saturday night at the combination political rally, fish fry and fire department fund raiser.

“The senseless murder or assassination of our sheriff, who always had a smile on his face and dedication in his heart, is devastating to the community,” former county attorney Fred Neikirk said.

Catron was killed by a single rifle bullet Saturday evening as he was leaving the rally at Shopville, a small town about 70 miles south of Lexington. The suspect left the rally on a motorcycle owned by one of the sheriff’s rivals in the election. Police said the rival was not a suspect.