Lexington, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Lexington faces a surge in gun violence, with two fatal shootings raising concerns among residents and authorities. The local police department is investigating these incidents and has urged the public to come forward with information. Recent statistics show a sharp increase in the city’s homicide rate, prompting community leaders to advocate for collaborative action against this troubling trend.
Lexington is currently grappling with a surge in gun violence, as authorities investigate two separate fatal shootings that have raised alarms in the community. The Lexington Police Department (LPD) is actively pursuing leads in these cases, which have contributed to a concerning rise in the city’s homicide rate.
On September 30, at approximately 8:15 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the 500 block of East Seventh Street. Upon arrival, officers found a victim inside a residence, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. The Fayette County Coroner has been involved in the investigation and is working closely with the LPD. The police department is urging anyone with information about this incident to contact them at (859) 258-3600 or to reach out anonymously through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.
The latest shooting follows a troubling trend of gun violence in the area. Earlier this year, on August 11, a shooting incident in the 1700 block of Bryan Station Road claimed the life of 42-year-old Edwin Haddix. Following the shooting, he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Keaira Pennie, aged 30, was arrested shortly after and charged with murder. Remarkably, she has no prior criminal record.
The August 11 incident marked the 16th homicide in Lexington for the year, a stark contrast to the nine homicides recorded during the same period the previous year. That same night, just before 3:30 a.m., two additional victims were shot and killed on Russell Cave Road. The victims, identified as 52-year-old Edward Parker and 71-year-old Ashim Heanacho, were also pronounced dead at the scene. In connection with this shooting, 69-year-old Deborah Weiss was arrested and faces two counts of murder. This incident occurred outside the Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library, further underscoring the pervasive nature of gun violence in public spaces.
Community leaders are expressing deep concern over the escalating violence. District 1 Councilmember Tyler Morton has highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts aimed at combating gun violence in Lexington. Terry Dumphord, the founder of The Voyage Movement, has also emphasized the personal toll of these tragedies, mentioning a connection to one of the victims and warning that gun violence can affect any community.
This spate of shootings has amplified calls for community prayers and increased advocacy against gun violence in Lexington. As law enforcement continues their investigations, the city’s residents are encouraged to engage in dialogue and collective action to address this pressing issue.
Recent Homicides in Lexington
- September 30, 2023: Shooting in 500 block of East Seventh Street; one victim found dead.
- August 11, 2023: Shooting in 1700 block of Bryan Station Road; Edwin Haddix deceased; Keaira Pennie charged with murder.
- August 11, 2023: Shooting on Russell Cave Road; Edward Parker and Ashim Heanacho deceased; Deborah Weiss charged with murder.
Homicide Statistics
The increase in homicides in Lexington has raised alarm among residents and officials alike. The current total stands at 16 for 2023, compared to nine at the same time last year. This rise represents a significant escalation in gun violence within the community.
Resources for Victims and Community Action
As the city grapples with these violent incidents, resources for victims and community action groups are crucial. Support services and advocacy for anti-gun violence initiatives are essential for fostering a safer environment in Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent shootings have occurred in Lexington?
Two fatal shootings occurred recently, one on September 30 in the 500 block of East Seventh Street and another on August 11 on Bryan Station Road and Russell Cave Road.
What is being done about the gun violence in Lexington?
The Lexington Police Department is actively investigating the incidents, and community leaders are advocating for collective efforts to address gun violence.
How can the community help address gun violence?
Community members are encouraged to report any information related to shootings and participate in community discussions and initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence.
Key Features of Recent Homicides
| Date | Location | Victims | Charges | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2023 | East Seventh Street | 1 | Under Investigation | Victim found inside home; ongoing investigation |
| August 11, 2023 | Bryan Station Road | 1 (Edwin Haddix) | Keaira Pennie: Murder | Victim died at a local hospital |
| August 11, 2023 | Russell Cave Road | 2 (Edward Parker, Ashim Heanacho) | Deborah Weiss: 2 Counts of Murder | Happened outside public library |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Washington Honors Charlie Kirk with Celebration of Life
Shooting and Burglary Incident in Lexington Leads to Arrest
Series of Shooting Incidents Leaves One Injured in Lexington
Multiple Shooting Incidents Under Investigation in Lexington
Multiple Shooting Incidents Under Investigation in Lexington
Shooting Incident Investigated by Lexington Police
Shooting Incidents Spark Concerns in Lexington
NFL Teams Respond Differently to Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death
Lexington Faces Surge in Violent Shootings
Candace Owens Questions Investigation into Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Additional Resources
- Lex18: Large Police Presence in Lexington Neighborhood
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Lexington Sheriff: Woman Charged in Deadly Shooting
- Google Search: Gun Violence in Kentucky
- Fox 56 News: 2 Killed in Overnight Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
- Kentucky.com: Police Investigate Lexington Shootings
- Google News: Lexington Shootings
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.
