KSP conducts murder investigation in Wayne County

MONTICELLO, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police is still investigating an alleged murder in Wayne County.

On Tuesday around 11:30 a.m., the Kentucky State Police says it was notified by Wayne County 911 that a male subject had been shot on R Barnett Road in Wayne County.

Upon arrival, authorities say they located a dead male with a gunshot wound lying in the roadway.

The victim was identified as 75-year-old Samuel R. White of Monticello.

After some investigation, troopers say they discovered a verbal altercation took place between White and 66-year-old Willard Ray Upchurch of Monticello at a logging yard.

During the fight, troopers say Upchurch took out a gun and fatally shot White, who was pronounced dead by the Wayne County coroner.

Willard was then arrested for murder and tampering with physical evidence.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Kentucky State Police was also assisted at the scene by Post 11 personnel, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County EMS, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and KSP Aircraft.