Teen victims of Kentucky murder-suicide were best friends, killed by a boyfriend
Funeral arrangements have been set for two Kentucky teens who were shot and killed Saturday by a 21-year-old man who police say then turned the gun on himself.
Jadeance Ann Marie Hale, 18, and Lila Kiara Hope Asher, 19, were best friends, according to their obituaries.
The young women “shared a deep bond, always wanting to be together, and their loved ones are determined to honor that wish by holding their funerals side by side,” a GoFundMe account set up to help with funeral expenses states.
On Saturday night, the women were in a vehicle driven by Hale’s boyfriend, James Priddy, 21, of Bimble, when he led police on a high-speed chase that ended with all three being found shot dead in the car, according to law enforcement.
Family members had contacted Knox County authorities after the three left a home in Barbourville to get food.
“Parents became concerned and contacted Knox County dispatch in reference to a possible domestic violence situation,” the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
Police in Barbourville found the red Chevrolet Cobalt in which the three were traveling and tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the sheriff’s office said the driver fled into Laurel County at about 10:45 p.m.
The chase ended when the Barbourville police tried to box the car in on Ky. 312, and it hit another vehicle.
When law enforcement officers approached the vehicle, they found all three occupants dead inside.
Asher’s sister, Miranda Hamilton, told WKYT that Hale wanted to break off her relationship with Priddy, and she said Hale texted her Saturday night saying she was “so scared.”
Hamilton told the television station the couple came to her house Saturday night and talked. During the visit, Hale told Priddy she was afraid to go get something to eat with him alone, so Asher volunteered to accompany them to McDonald’s, Hamilton said.
They never returned.
Hale, of Flat Lick, was described in her obituary as "the sweetest soul” who had the “biggest smile” and loved spending time with her younger sister.
“She enjoyed long talks just sitting on the porch with her mommy and going for rides in the charger with her daddy,” according to Hale’s obituary. “She enjoyed going to Taco Bell and hanging with friends. Jadeance was the funniest girl you’d ever meet, you’d never leave her without having smiled or laughed.”
Asher, of Lily, was the mother of a 5-month-old daughter who “was her No. 1 everything,” according to her obituary.
“Lila loved spending time with her baby girl, she loved going shopping, out to eat, and getting iced coffees and bobas,” her obituary stated. “She loved stealing her sister’s clothes. She was free spirited and a firecracker.”
The obituary said she “would do anything to help someone or protect them. Lila was strong, independent, and amazing person in general."
Visitation for both Asher and Hale will be 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home in Pineville.
Asher’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home, while Hale’s will begin at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Both will be buried at Ketchum Cemetery in Bryants Store.
On Tuesday, in a statement posted on Facebook, Barbourville Mayor David Thompson asked people to avoid speculating about the situation on social media.
“With so many involved in this horrible situation, including not only the families of the three young people, but law enforcement and other responders and their families well, we need to remember this tragedy has far-reaching effects on a lot of people,” Thompson’s statement, which was shared by the Barbourville Police Department, said.
“I encourage families, especially parents and guardians, to pay close attention to your children and their circumstances and who they associate with. If something seems off or odd, please seek help. For any form or suspicion of domestic violence, please seek help.”
