Search continues for Central Kentucky man accused of murder

Kentucky State Police continue to search for a Franklin County man suspected of killing a man Saturday night and then fleeing the scene.

Authorities are searching for the suspect, Steven Girtley, in the area of Flat Creek Road in Franklin County.

Police say Girtley shot and killed Justin Girtley, 36, Saturday night at a home on Flat Creek Road.

Police responded to the home just before 10 p.m. Saturday for a report of an altercation between the two.

Troopers found Justin Girtley dead with a gunshot wound, police said. Steven Girtley fled into a wooded area before troopers arrived.

Justin Girtley died at the scene, according to the Franklin County Coroner.

State police did not release Steven Girtley’s age. The relationship between the two men is unclear.

State police are being assisted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, the Frankfort Police Department and the Versailles Police Department.

This story was originally published November 10, 2024 at 3:50 PM.

Taylor Six

Lexington Herald-Leader

Taylor Six is the criminal justice reporter at the Herald-Leader. She was born and raised in Lexington attending Lafayette High School. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She previously worked as the government reporter for the Richmond Register.