A teenager who reportedly brought her best friend for support while ending a relationship was allegedly shot dead by her ex-boyfriend before he turned the gun on himself, police said.
Authorities say a 21-year-old man killed two young women before taking his own life after a police pursuit sparked by concerns for their safety.
Police discovered the bodies of James Priddy, 21, Jedance Hale, 18, and Lila Asher, 19, inside a vehicle after bringing a late-night chase to an end.
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Investigators believe Priddy fatally shot both women before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragedy unfolded on 6 June after concerned family members contacted police over a possible domestic violence situation involving the group.
According to officials, Hale had been planning to break up with Priddy and had brought her friend Asher with her for support, as reported by Need To Know.
The trio had reportedly left a residence in Barbourville to get something to eat when relatives raised concerns about their welfare.
Police later located a red Chevrolet Cobalt linked to the report.
Authorities said the vehicle failed to stop, triggering a pursuit into neighbouring Laurel County.
The chase ended at around 10:43pm when officers attempted to box in the vehicle on KY312 in southern Laurel County.
During the incident, the Chevrolet struck another vehicle before coming to a stop, police said.
When officers approached the car, they discovered all three occupants dead inside.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root said evidence gathered at the scene indicated Priddy had shot and killed Hale and Asher before taking his own life.
Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling later ruled the deaths of Hale and Asher homicides caused by gunshot wounds.
Priddy’s death was ruled a suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officials said Hale was allegedly in a relationship with Priddy at the time of the incident.
Heartbroken relatives have since launched a fundraiser in memory of Hale and Asher.
The fundraising page described the pair as inseparable friends whose lives were tragically cut short.
It stated: “They were always wanting to be together.”
Tributes have poured in online from friends and loved ones remembering the young woman.
The case remains under investigation by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Barbourville City Police Department.
The incident took place in southern Laurel County, Kentucky, US.
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