ABC News
(ELIZABETHTOWN, Kentucky) – Three family members were shot, two fatally, near a Kentucky courthouse on Monday before attending a restraining order hearing, officials said.
The suspect in the incident – who was with one of the victims – fled the scene and shot himself during a confrontation with police, according to Elizabethtown police.
The shooting occurred shortly before 9 a.m. ET in a parking lot across from the Hardin County Justice Center, officials said.
Three people were shot in an “ambush-like” attack, Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson said. The suspect – identified as Christopher Elder, 46 – fled the scene in a vehicle.
The suspect’s girlfriend – 37-year-old Erica Riley of Elizabethtown – was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Her mother, 71-year-old Janet Rylee of Hardinsburg, was also shot and died of her injuries at the hospital, police said.
A third person, a man related to the victims, was also shot and is in stable condition, police said. His name has not been released.
Two children of one of the victims were also at the scene but were unharmed, Thompson said. No further details about the teenagers were released.
Elder shot himself during a scuffle with police after a chase in western Kentucky, authorities said. He is still in critical condition and hospitalized, police said.
Elizabethtown Police have confirmed a shooting near the Hardin County Justice Center. Anyone in the area should follow police directions. Please join Britainy and me in praying for all those affected by this senseless act of violence. ^AB
– Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) 19 August 2024
The shooting was an isolated, domestic incident, police said, and occurred before a restraining order hearing, which those involved attended at the courthouse, Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said.
“It’s just terrible, it’s a tragedy,” said Gregory, who previously worked in the police force. “Personal situations are never predictable. They often end in terrible situations like this. Unfortunately, that’s what happened today in downtown Elizabethtown.”
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
“Please join (my wife) Britainy and me in praying for everyone affected by this senseless act of violence,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a statement.
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