KSP Investigating Murder Suicide Investigation of a Lee County Deputy Sheriff and His Girlfriend

BEATTYVILLE, Ky. – On June 16, 2025, at approximately 4:22 p.m. (EDT), according to Kentucky State Police (KSP) Richmond Post 7, they were 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 Lee County Deputy Sheriff  Bearl D. Ashcraft Jr., 48, of Beattyville, Ky., and his girlfriend, Hayley M. Davidson, 28, a social worker and a mother, 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 KPS Post 7 and the Lee County Coroner.'s Office. 

The Lee County Sheriff's Office have removed themselves from the investigation due to the circumstances. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Kentucky State Police Richmond Post at (859)-623-4710.

The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.