Lexington, August 18, 2025
News Summary
A 69-year-old woman, Deborah Weiss, has been charged with the double homicide of Ashim Heanacho, 71, and Edward Parker, 52, at the Lexington Public Library. The incident, which shocked the community, involved a brutal attack captured on surveillance footage. Amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in Lexington, local leaders are emphasizing the need for preventive measures. Weiss has pleaded not guilty and her case is set to proceed to a grand jury after a preliminary hearing.
Lexington—A Lexington woman has been charged with the double homicide of two men, identified as 71-year-old Ashim Heanacho and 52-year-old Edward Parker. The tragic incident occurred outside the Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library more than two weeks ago, shocking the local community.
The Fayette County Coroner confirmed the identities of the victims, both of whom were known and cherished members of the community. Edward Parker, remembered fondly by a local woman, was described as having an uplifting spirit and was likened to “an uncle.” The woman reflected on their last encounter, which occurred near a church, where they exchanged loving sentiments.
The suspect, Deborah Weiss, 69, has been charged with the murders after allegedly bludgeoning Parker with a sledgehammer and subsequently shooting both men. According to surveillance footage, Weiss attacked Parker while he was asleep before turning her weapon on Heanacho, who was sitting in a parked car.
Weiss called 911 after the assaults, confessing that she had “just killed two men.” At her preliminary hearing, Weiss appeared in a wheelchair due to a gunshot wound to her foot, which she sustained during the incident. Detective Jeremy Atkins testified about the details surrounding the homicides. It was revealed that Weiss had previously engaged in confrontations with both victims, linked to issues involving her son.
Following the preliminary hearing, Fayette District Judge Denotra Spurill Gunther found probable cause to escalate Weiss’s case to a grand jury and adjusted her bond from $1 million to $750,000 cash. During her arraignment, Weiss pleaded not guilty and was assigned a public defender.
The tragic double homicide is part of a broader issue of violence in Lexington. Over the same weekend, a juvenile was shot at the Canter Pointe Apartments and sustained life-threatening injuries. So far this year, Lexington has recorded a total of 30 shootings, which is lower than the four-year average of 62 incidents by this point in the year. Additionally, the total number of homicides attributed to gunfire stands at 15, which is slightly lower than the average of 17 for the same time period in previous years.
In light of the recent violence, local community leaders have emphasized the necessity of coordinated efforts to address these issues and implement preventive programs. The city continues to grapple with the challenges posed by gun violence, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to enhance public safety and reduce crime.
FAQ
Who were the victims in the Lexington double homicide?
The victims were identified as Ashim Heanacho, 71, and Edward Parker, 52.
What charges have been brought against Deborah Weiss?
Deborah Weiss has been charged with the murders of Ashim Heanacho and Edward Parker.
What is the current state of gun violence in Lexington?
This year, Lexington has recorded 30 shootings thus far, with 15 classified as homicides by gun. This is lower than the average of previous years.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lexington Public Library, Northside Branch |
| Victims | Ashim Heanacho, 71; Edward Parker, 52 |
| Suspect | Deborah Weiss, 69 |
| Charges | Double homicide |
| Surveillance Evidence | Attack and shooting captured on camera |
| Current Status of Suspect | In wheelchair during preliminary hearing, bond set at $750,000 |
| Yearly Crime Statistics | 30 shootings in 2023, 15 gun-related homicides |
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Close friend remembers victim of Lexington double homicide
- Kentucky.com: Details of Lexington double homicide
- LEX18: Deadly double shooting on Russell Cave Road
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Double Homicide
- Google Search: Lexington double homicide
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