A 51-year-old Hardinsburg man is dead after a shooting Saturday evening, and Kentucky State Police say two men now face murder charges in connection with his death. Jerry M. McGee was rushed to a Louisville hospital with gunshot wounds but did not survive, according to state police.
McGee was taken to UofL Hospital in Louisville, where he died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to WBKO. Kentucky State Police are investigating the deadly shooting in Breckinridge County, which was reported on October 17, as noted by FOX 56 News. Accounts of exactly where troopers responded differ: WBKO reported the shooting was called in at 6:30 p.m. at 2944 KY 79 in Hardinsburg, while WLKY reported that Kentucky State Police said the shooting happened around the same time in the 2900 block of KY 70 in Hardinsburg.
Suspect Arrested on Murder and Weapons Charges
The station's report identifies 39-year-old Johnny Lee Sowders, also of Hardinsburg, as the man arrested in connection with the shooting. Sowders was charged with murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, per the same account.
A second person was also charged with murder in Breckinridge County, according to K105, though that outlet's brief news item does not identify the individual or detail the charges further. No other information about that arrest has been independently confirmed.
Investigation Continues in Breckinridge County
Fox 56 News, citing a preliminary investigation, reported that a suspect had been identified in the shooting, though investigators had not released additional details about that person at the time of its report. McGee's death was handled by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office after he was pronounced dead at the Louisville hospital, according to Fox 56 News, which also reported that he sustained life-threatening injuries before ultimately dying of his wounds.
Kentucky State Police have not released further details about the exact circumstances that led to the shooting or the relationship, if any, between McGee and the men now facing charges. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
