LEE COUNTY, KY — Community in Shock After Apparent Murder-Suicide Leaves Two Dead
A profound sense of grief and disbelief has settled over the quiet hills of Lee County, Kentucky, following the tragic deaths of two individuals found in a home on Sally Davis Road. On Monday, June 16, 2025, Kentucky State Police (KSP) confirmed the heartbreaking discovery of Bearl Ashcraft and his girlfriend, Hayley Davidson, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.
According to KSP officials, the incident came to light after law enforcement officers were called to perform a welfare check on the residence. When they arrived, they made the grim discovery: both Ashcraft and Davidson had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators quickly determined that Ashcraft had fatally shot Davidson before turning the weapon on himself.
The motives behind this devastating act remain under investigation. No prior domestic disturbance calls were reported at the address, and neighbors described the couple as relatively quiet. The sudden and violent nature of their deaths has left many in the tight-knit community stunned and searching for answers.
“It’s shocking,” one nearby resident said. “You never expect something this tragic to happen so close to home.”
Hayley Davidson, remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted young woman with a vibrant personality, leaves behind grieving friends and family who say her life was full of promise and potential. She was known for her warmth, her laughter, and her devotion to those she loved.
Bearl Ashcraft, a long-time resident of Lee County, had a reputation among some for being private and reclusive. However, those who knew him closely say this incident came without warning and has left them grappling with a complex mix of sorrow and confusion.
The Kentucky State Police Richmond Post is leading the investigation, and officials say they are continuing to gather information in an effort to understand what may have led to the tragedy.
“It’s a devastating situation for everyone involved,” said a spokesperson for KSP. “Our hearts go out to the families of both individuals, and we’re committed to conducting a thorough investigation.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information that may shed light on the events leading up to the incident to contact the KSP Richmond Post at (859) 623-4710.
As the investigation continues, the community of Lee County mourns not only the lives lost but also the shattering of a sense of peace that events like this inevitably disturb. Grief counselors and support services have been made available to those affected by the tragedy.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for accessible resources in moments of crisis. In honor of the lives lost, community members are calling for compassion, vigilance, and healing in the wake of unimaginable sorrow.
