Kentucky State Police Conducts Death Investigation in Lee County

BEATTYVILLE, Ky. – On June 16, 2025, at approximately 4:22 p.m. (EDT), Kentucky State Police (KSP) Richmond Post 7 was notified by Lee County Sheriff Joe Lucas that he located two deceased people while conducting a welfare check at a residence on Sally Davis Road in Lee County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the incident involved Bearl D. Ashcraft Jr., 48, of Beattyville, Ky., and his girlfriend, Hayley M. Davidson, 28, also of Beattyville. Authorities determined that Ashcraft fatally shot Davidson before taking his own life.

Both individuals suffered fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lee County Coroner’s Office. Their remains have been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for autopsies.

KSP Detective Casey Caudill is leading the ongoing investigation, assisted by Post 7 personnel, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lee County Coroner’s Office. Further details will be released as they become available.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Kentucky State Police Richmond Post at (859)-623-4710.