LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — Three people were found dead inside a vehicle following a police pursuit in Laurel County on Saturday night, in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.
According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement agencies were alerted at approximately 10:43 p.m. after family members reported concerns about a possible domestic violence situation involving three individuals who had left a residence in Barbourville to get food.
Officials said family members contacted Knox County dispatch after becoming worried about the group’s welfare. Barbourville City Police later located a red Chevrolet Cobalt connected to the complaint. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it allegedly failed to pull over, leading to a pursuit that began in Knox County and continued into neighboring Laurel County.
The chase came to an end on Kentucky Route 312 in southern Laurel County when the Chevrolet Cobalt collided with another vehicle during an effort by officers to bring it to a stop. Deputies arriving at the scene discovered three people dead inside the car.
Authorities identified the deceased as 21-year-old James Priddy of Bimble, Jadence Ann Marie Hale, and 19-year-old Kira Lila Hope Asher of Lily.
Investigators believe Priddy fatally shot Hale and Asher before taking his own life. Sheriff John Root said evidence collected at the scene supports the preliminary conclusion that the incident was a murder-suicide.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Barbourville City Police are jointly investigating the case. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
