Science Hill Fatal Shooting: Active Shooter, 2 Victim Identified Shot Dead by Austin Prather in Science Hill KY

Science Hill Fatal Shooting: Active Shooter, 2 Victim Identified Shot Dead by Austin Prather in Science Hill KY

Science Hill Fatal Shooting: Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that on November 7, 2023, at about 11:47 PM, deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, the Somerset Police Department, the Science Hill Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police responded to a report of a shooting victim in Science Hill, Kentucky. Ardyth Prather Jr., popularly known as “Ray,” was discovered dead by police after what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was 67 years old.

Ardyth Prather Jr. Death

Mr. Prather’s wife, 65-year-old Joann Prather, was still alive after being shot and stabbed. Ms. Prather received emergency care from Somerset/Pulaski EMS on the site and was then transported by air ambulance to Lexington. Ms. Prather’s condition is unknown as of the news release’s publication. Additionally, blood was found on the door of a house next door on Raleigh Road by the officers. The authorities entered the premises due to safety concerns and the possibility of other casualties.

A dead man was found inside the home who was eventually identified as 43-year-old Ardyth Prather III, popularly known as “Trae.” Austin Prather, a 20-year-old son or grandchild of the victims, was the alleged perpetrator who fled the scene in a 2013 Brown Jeep Wrangler before the police arrived. Prather should be considered armed and dangerous. Prather should have an active arrest warrant later this morning on two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

Ardyth Prather III Death

The Major Crimes Task Force was dispatched to the scene by the Kentucky State Police, the Somerset Police Department, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office in order to begin the investigation. Detective Ryan Jones of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office is the main investigator in this case.