Winchester, Kentucky, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A murder-suicide incident in Winchester, Kentucky has left two individuals dead following a domestic dispute. The victims, Ava Brantley and Tyler Snowden, were involved in a violent altercation. Ava had recently filed for a domestic violence order against Tyler just a day before the tragedy. The investigation is ongoing as the community grapples with the impact of domestic violence.
Winchester, Kentucky – Murder-Suicide Incident Identified as Domestic Dispute
Two individuals are dead in Winchester, Kentucky, following a tragic murder-suicide that appears to be rooted in a domestic dispute. The incident unfolded on West Side Drive, and Winchester Police were alerted to the shooting around 6:30 PM on Friday, October 17.
The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Ava Brantley and 38-year-old Tyler Snowden. Both were found dead at the scene, marking a grim outcome of a violent altercation that reportedly took place earlier in the day. Preliminary investigations suggest that Tyler Snowden shot and killed Ava Brantley before taking his own life, with the shooting believed to have occurred around 5 AM that same morning.
At the time of the incident, Ava Brantley was residing in the house with her children, who were thankfully not home during the event. In contrast, Tyler Snowden did not live at the residence. Notably, just one day prior to the shooting, Ava Brantley had taken the step of filing for a domestic violence order against Tyler Snowden, highlighting the troubling circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Eyewitness accounts and additional evidence indicate that a neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the unsettling sounds of gunfire around the time of the incident. Following the shootings, a search warrant was filed for Tyler Snowden’s truck, which was found parked nearby, as well as for his residence in Irvine.
Authorities also discovered a suicide note at Tyler Snowden’s home, further complicating the narrative of this heartbreaking event. To determine the precise causes of death, autopsies for both individuals will be conducted by the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s office in Frankfort.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing, with law enforcement piecing together the details of what led to such a tragic conclusion. The events have sent shockwaves through the community of Winchester, drawing attention to the issue of domestic violence and its devastating effects.
Background Context
Domestic violence remains a critical issue across the United States, with countless individuals facing fear and abuse in their homes. The case of Ava Brantley and Tyler Snowden underscores the dangers that can escalate in domestic relationship disputes. Filing for domestic violence protection is often a crucial step for individuals seeking safety. However, as this case illustrates, such measures may not always be sufficient to prevent violent outcomes.
The tragic loss of both individuals raises significant concerns about the pressures and dynamics within troubled relationships, as well as the need for community awareness and resources to assist those affected by domestic violence.
FAQ Section
- What happened in Winchester, Kentucky?
- When did the incident occur?
- What were the circumstances leading up to the event?
- Were there any children present during the shooting?
- What is the status of the investigation?
A murder-suicide incident took place, resulting in the deaths of Ava Brantley and Tyler Snowden.
The police received reports of the shooting around 6:30 PM on October 17, though the shooting itself is believed to have occurred earlier around 5 AM.
Ava Brantley had filed for a domestic violence order against Tyler Snowden just one day before the incident.
No, Ava Brantley’s children were not at home during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and autopsies are set to be conducted by the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s office.
| Key Features of the Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West Side Drive, Winchester, Kentucky |
| Date | October 17 |
| Time of Shooting | Around 5 AM |
| Time of Police Report | 6:30 PM |
| Victims | Ava Brantley (35), Tyler Snowden (38) |
| Children Present | No |
| Domestic Violence Order | Filed one day prior by Ava Brantley |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two Suspects Arrested in Lexington Shooting Incident
Tragic Murder-Suicide Incident in Winchester
Boone County Faces Tragic Surge in Child Suicides
Vehicle Fire Contained in Lexington Parking Garage
Tragic Double Murder-Suicide in Crab Orchard, Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News
- Lex 18
- WTVQ News
- WKYT News
- Columbus Dispatch
- Wikipedia: Domestic violence
- Google Search: murder suicide
- Google Scholar: murder suicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: murder suicide
- Google News: murder suicide
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.
