Double Murder-Suicide Being Investigated After Domestic Incident in Knox County, Ky.

From Laurel Co SD, Barbourbille PD, WRIL The Big One with added content from WLEX 18 -

Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County, Sheriff’s Office, and Barbourville City Police Department are jointly investigating an apparent murder suicide which occurred June 6, 2026.

Barbourville Chief Adam Townsley reports that Knox County E-911 requested that the Barbourville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office be on the lookout for a vehicle that was involved in a domestic violence situation and that the occupants were inside the vehicle.

Parents of the occupants became concerned and contacted Knox County dispatch in reference to a possible domestic violence situation. At 10:28pm - Patrolman Mathew Warren located the suspect vehicle on Manchester Street and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, activating his emergency lights and sirens. The vehicle then turned onto Highway 25E north with Barbourville Police in pursuit, joined later by Knox County Deputies, Corbin Police, and KSP Post 10 and 11.

The pursuit terminated on KY312 in southern Laurel County when, during an attempt by Barbourville Police to box the fleeing vehicle in, the Cobalt struck a cruiser. Another vehicle, described as a Tahoe, was also struck. Laurel Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene shortly after the pursuit concluded.

Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered that the two female passengers had suffered gunshot wounds and both had succumbed to their injuries. The driver was also found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.

WLEX 18 reported Sunday afternoon that Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling confirmed

that 21-year-old James Priddy of Laurel County shot and killed 19-year-old Lila Asher and 18-year-old Jadeance Hale before committing suicide, confirmed by Bowling.

Asher and Hale's death has been ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.

At one point, it was reported a 5-month-old toddler was involved in the incident. Multiple law enforcement officers and first responders began a search for the child on Highway 25E, but a short time later a family member reported the child safe in their custody.

Our additional coverage was vetted through official records of the incidents. Next of kin had been contacted prior to this report and the investigation is ongoing.