Laurel County, Ky. — Jadeance Hale, 18, and her best friend Lila Asher, 19, were fatally shot by Jadeance Hale’s 21-year-old boyfriend James Priddy in an apparent murder-suicide on June 6 as Hale attempted to end the relationship, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded after the group left a home, leading to a police pursuit from Knox County into Laurel County. Authorities located the vehicle and discovered the bodies of all three inside.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release that James Priddy, 21, shot and killed his girlfriend Jadeance Hale, 18, and her friend Lila Asher, 19, before turning the gun on himself. The shootings occurred on June 6.
Authorities received a report of a possible domestic violence situation after three people left a home to get something to eat and their parents became concerned. Lila Asher called and informed someone they were stopping at Priddy’s house, which was not part of the original plan. A woman called 911 expressing fear after learning her daughter was in a car with a man and his girlfriend, and that the man would not let them leave.
Police say Jadeance Hale was planning to end her relationship with James Priddy, and Lila Asher was with her for support. Officers located the vehicle, which failed to stop, resulting in a pursuit from Knox County into Laurel County. When the pursuit ended, the bodies were discovered in the vehicle.
About the Location/Community
Laurel County, Kentucky, is located in the southeastern part of the state and had a population of approximately 62,613 according to the 2020 census, with estimates around 63,700 in recent years. The county seat is London, and the area features a mix of urban and rural communities. The median age is around 40, and the population is predominantly White.
The county is known for its Appalachian setting, with communities that often emphasize family ties and local support networks. Residents in areas like London and surrounding towns such as Corbin navigate both close-knit neighborhoods and challenges common to rural and small-town America. This part of Kentucky has seen its share of domestic incidents, as families and law enforcement work within a region where personal relationships and community oversight play significant roles. The incident involving Jadeance Hale, Lila Asher, and James Priddy spanned Knox and Laurel counties.
Who Was Jadeance Hale
Jadeance Hale, 18, was a young woman from the area who was reportedly attempting to break up with her boyfriend at the time of the incident. Limited public biographical details have been released beyond her age and connection to the events. She was with her best friend seeking support during what authorities described as a domestic situation.
Who Was Lila Asher
Lila Asher, 19, was Jadeance Hale’s best friend who accompanied her for support as Hale planned to end the relationship. Asher, like Hale, was a teenager caught in the events that unfolded on June 6. Further personal details about her life, interests, or background have not been confirmed at this time through official releases.
Who Was James Priddy
James Priddy, 21, was identified as the boyfriend of Jadeance Hale. According to authorities, he is believed to have carried out the shootings before dying by suicide. Additional details about his background have not been extensively released publicly.
Investigation Details
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies, responded to the situation following the 911 call regarding concerns of domestic violence. A vehicle pursuit ensued when the car failed to stop, crossing from Knox County into Laurel County. Upon ending the pursuit, officers discovered the three bodies inside the vehicle from apparent gunshot wounds.
The case is being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide. Authorities have not released full details on the sequence of shots or exact timeline inside the vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved. No other individuals are reported to have been injured.
FirstAlert has reached out for additional updates. Toxicology results, full autopsy findings, and any other evidence have not been publicly detailed at this time.
The presumption of innocence applies in criminal investigations until proven otherwise in court, though in this case the suspect died at the scene.
Safety/Statistics Context
Domestic violence and intimate partner homicides remain serious issues in Kentucky. State reports indicate thousands of domestic violence incidents are documented annually.
Nationally and in Kentucky, murder-suicides involving intimate partners are a recognized pattern, often linked to attempts to leave abusive relationships. Firearms are frequently involved in such tragedies. Kentucky’s domestic violence reports show stable but persistent levels of incidents.
In Laurel County and surrounding areas, local law enforcement responds to domestic calls regularly. This incident underscores the dangers that can arise when individuals attempt to leave relationships, particularly when support persons like Lila Asher are present.
Grief Support Resources
The families and friends of Jadeance Hale and Lila Asher face an unimaginable loss following this tragedy. Grief support is available in Laurel County and nearby areas.
Local options include the Laurel County Health Department’s Behavioral Health services, which offer grief, stress, and trauma support along with counseling.
GriefShare groups meet in the London area, providing peer support for those mourning sudden losses. Additional statewide support through organizations like the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available for immediate assistance.
Final Tribute
The deaths of Jadeance Hale and Lila Asher represent a profound loss for their families and the communities of Laurel and Knox counties. As authorities finalize their investigation, the focus remains on honoring the young lives cut short and supporting those left behind in the aftermath of this violence.
FirstAlert will continue to follow this story and provide updates as official information is released.
Sources
- WKYT: Family mourns young women killed in possible murder-suicide
- WYMT: Multiple authorities investigating murder-suicide after police pursuit
- Laurel County Sheriff’s Office statements via local media
- LEX18 Coverage
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Laurel County, KY
- Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence resources
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