Authorities investigating apparent murder-suicide in Laurel County

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. – Authorities are investigating a possible murder-suicide in Laurel County.

According to a release, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Barbourville City Police Department are jointly investigating the incident that happened on June 6.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says county law enforcement received an alert from the Barbourville City Police that a pursuit of a vehicle was following a reported domestic assault in Knox County.

The complainant said three individuals had left a home in Barbourville and became concerned and contacted Knox County Emergency Dispatch, according to the release.

Root says the Barbourville City Police Department officers found the vehicle, and it failed to stop, leading to a pursuit into Laurel County.

According to the release, the pursuit ended when the vehicle struck a tree and came to a stop.

Three bodies were located by law enforcement, says Root.

21-year-old James Priddy of Bimble, 18-year-old Jadence Ann Marie Hale of Flatlick and 19-year-old Kira Lila Hope Asher of Lily were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Hale was Priddy’s girlfriend.

Root says the preliminary investigation shows that Priddy allegedly shot and killed Hale and Asher and then shot himself.

The investigation is ongoing.

Ambulance Inc of Laurel County, London Laurel Rescue Squad, West Knox Volunteer Fire Department, DPS, Corbin City Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and the Laurel County Coroner’s Office assisted investigators.