Man arrested in ongoing murder investigation in Johnson County

THEALKA, Ky. – One man is facing a murder charge connected to a case out of Johnson County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, troopers were notified of a shooting in Johnson County on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Troopers say they responded to a residence on Main Camp Branch, where they located Richard Roberts of River unresponsive in the driveway of the home.

Roberts appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound, authorities say.

According to authorities, a preliminary investigation showed Blake Webb shot a gun, striking Roberts after a “brief physical altercation.”

Troopers say Webb then fled the scene in an unknown direction but was taken into custody nearby a short time later. Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office.

As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Blake Webb of West Van Lear was arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Webb is currently charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

The investigation remains ongoing.