A Beattyville Man Charged With Attempted Murder

Police say that a Breathitt County woman is recovering, and two men are facing charges after what has been described as a bizarre shooting.

Ashley Abner Mitchell, of Cane Creek, was shot three times after answering her door on Thursday, August 7.

She was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, where she was treated and listed in stable condition. 

     According to police reports, Christopher Roberts , 24, of Booneville, and Travis Watson, 21, of Beattyville, parked in the driveway of the Mitchell home on Shoulderblade Hill, approximately 6.3 miles west of Jackson on Highway 30.  Both men reportedly exited the vehicle, and Watson knocked on the home's side door while Roberts stood near the car.

Reports indicated that Mitchell answered the door, and Watson asked about her husband, Andrew Mitchell.  Watson then asked Mitchell a question before firing three shots at her through the door.

     At approximately 8:26 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a 911 call from Mitchell stating that she had been shot and the men had left the scene.

     The Kentucky State Police, Breathitt County Sheriff John Hollan, and the ambulance service arrived at the home and located Mitchell in the kitchen.

Troopers and medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures at the scene and stabilized Mitchell. 

     According to one source, Mitchell provided a description of the Dodge Charger that pulled into the driveway and a partial license plate.  Expert detective work matched a similar vehicle to an address in Owsley County.  Detectives identified the alleged shooters.  Watson and Roberts were located and taken into custody that evening through the work of the Kentucky State Police Detective from Posts 13 in Hazard and Post 7 in Richmond.

      Roberts and Watson were transported to the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard, where they were lodged and charged with one count each of attempted murder.  Additional charges are also pending.

     The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Detective Scott Caudill.