Breathitt Woman Killed in Lee County Murder-Suicide

A twenty-eight-year-old Breathitt County woman was killed on Monday after an apparent murder-suicide in Lee County.

 According to information released by Post 7 in Richmond, Lee County Sheriff Joe Lucas was called to perform a welfare check at a home on Sally Davis Road off Highway 11 near Zachariah.

At 4:22 p.m. on June 16, Sheriff Lucas notified the Kentucky State Police Dispatch Center of his discovery of two bodies at the home of Bearl Ashcraft, Jr.

Troopers from the Kentucky State Police and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and opened a homicide investigation.

According to Trooper Scottie Pennington, the “preliminary investigation indicates both individuals suffered fatal gunshot wounds.”  Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lee County Coroner’s Office.

Information released by the Kentucky State Police indicated that Bearl D. Ashcraft Jr., 48, of Beattyville, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Hayley M. Davidson, of Beattyville.  Authorities determined that Ashcraft then took his own life with the same firearm.

Ashcraft served as a special deputy for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. 

Their remains were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for a full forensic autopsy.

Detective Casey Caudill continues to investigate the deaths with the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County Coroner’s Office. 

Davidson worked for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department for Community Based Services as a Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker).

Friends, relatives, and co-workers posted numerous tributes to Davidson, citing her devotion to their clients and family, her love for her three children, and her infectious smile.

Governor Andy Beshear joined those paying tribute to Davidson in a Facebook post.  Beshear wrote, “I was so sad to learn the news of Hayley Davidson, a social worker for the state, whose life was taken too soon by a senseless act in Lee County.  Please join Britainy, me, and all of Team Kentucky in praying for her family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.”

Beshear announced that the state would provide crisis support to Davidson’s team members, who are mourning her loss.

As the investigation continues, officials ask anyone with information about this incident to call Post 7 in Richmond at (859) 623-4710.

No memorial services or burial details were announced at press time.