KY high school basketball player shot, killed at a party in ‘senseless tragedy’

A Taylor County High School basketball player was shot and killed at a party early Sunday morning, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were dispatched to a house in the 1200 block of Penick Road in Lebanon at approximately 2:30 am. for a possible shooting. Upon arrival, deputies found Jaron J. Johnson, 18 of Campbellsville, dead, the statement said.

The preliminary investigation showed that a large party was being held at the house when a fight broke out, according to the statement.

“A gun was pulled and shots were fired,” the statement said. “An arrest has been made.”

Marion County Sheriff’s officials did not identify the suspect, and the release did not say whether the suspect was a juvenile.

Johnson would have been a senior at Taylor County High School in the fall, according to a joint statement from the school district and high school officials confirming the death of a student.

“Our entire Cardinal family is deeply saddened by this loss,” a statement announcing that counselors would be available for students this week said. “This student was a valued member of our school community, and he will be greatly missed by classmates, teachers, staff, and coaches.”

Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, called the death a “senseless tragedy and loss” in a Facebook post.

“I got to know Jaron over the past few years as my boy’s basketball teammate. An infectious smile that lit up a room and a young man with a tremendous future ahead of him. Always polite, respectful, a hard worker and a true friend and teammate,” Wise said.

Marion County Athletics said they were “deeply saddened by the passing of Jaron Johnson,” in a post.

“Jaron was a member of the Taylor County High School boys basketball team and, more importantly, a remarkable young man who made a positive impact on those around him,” the post said.

The Taylor County Lady Cardinals Basketball Team also posted on Facebook, “Jaron Johnson was more than a talented student-athlete — he was an incredible young man. Respectful, kind, humble, and someone who represented Taylor County with pride every single day. He made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

“Rest easy, Jaron. You will always be a Cardinal, and your legacy will never be forgotten,” post said.

This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 6:39 AM.