News Summary
A double homicide investigation is underway in Lexington following a shooting that left two men dead early Saturday morning. The shooting occurred around 3:20 a.m. on Russell Cave Road. Two victims, identified as Edward Parker and Ashim Heanacho, were pronounced dead at the scene, leading to the arrest of Deborah Weiss on murder charges. Community leaders are expressing concerns over increasing gun violence and the need for safer neighborhoods.
Lexington Police Investigate Double Homicide Following Early Morning Shooting
Two men are dead, and a woman has been charged after a shooting incident early Saturday morning in Lexington. The shooting took place around 3:20 a.m. on Russell Cave Road. When officers arrived at the scene in the 1700 block, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fayette County Coroner identified the victims as 52-year-old Edward Parker and 71-year-old Ashim Heanacho, both of whom were Lexington residents. In connection to the shooting, 69-year-old Deborah Weiss was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. She is currently being held in the Fayette County Detention Center, with a bond set at $1 million cash.
Ongoing Investigation
The Lexington Police Department is treating the incident as a double homicide. Authorities have confirmed that all individuals involved in the shooting have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to reach out at 859-258-3600 or submit anonymous tips through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at 859-253-2020.
Community Reaction and Concerns
This tragic event marks the 14th and 15th homicides in Lexington so far this year. Councilmember Tyler Morton has expressed heartbreak over the “senseless violence” and highlighted the urgent need for safer neighborhoods. Local activist Terry Dumphord has noted that gun violence can occur anywhere, calling for prayers for the victims’ families. The recent shooting, which occurred near the Lexington Public Library’s Northside Branch, has raised concerns regarding community safety.
Residents have voiced feelings of fear and sadness over the increasing number of violent incidents occurring in Lexington. Data shows that there were eight homicides in the city by this time in 2024, compared to 13 homicides recorded by the same point in 2023. This alarming trend has sparked conversations within the community about the underlying issues contributing to gun violence.
Context of Gun Violence in Lexington
The ongoing pattern of violent crime has left many residents feeling uneasy about their safety. As Lexington grapples with an increase in homicides, community leaders are stressing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and residents to address the issue effectively. With the recent shooting incidents, there is a growing call for actionable solutions to foster safe environments for all citizens.
The Lexington Police will continue to investigate this double homicide thoroughly and are committed to ensuring justice is served while working towards making the community a safer place.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Lexington Double Homicide Victims Identified
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- LEX18: Deadly Double Shooting on Russell Cave Road
- Google Search: Lexington double homicide
- WTVQ: Juvenile Critically Injured in Overnight Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Lexington
- Fox56 News: Child Severely Injured in Lexington Overnight Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WKYT: One Person Hospitalized After Overnight Shooting
- Google News: Lexington crime
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
