Ardyth Prather Jr and Ardyth Prather III shot to death in Science Hill KY

Science Hill Shooting: 20-year-old Austin Prather is wanted in connection to the shooting death of 67-year-old Ardyth Prather Jr and 43-year-old Ardyth Prather III. 65-year-old Joann Prather was also injured in Science Hill.

On November 7, 2023, at approximately 11:47 PM, Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office, the Somerset Police Department, the Science Hill Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police responded to a call of a shooting victim on Raleigh Road in Science Hill, Kentucky.

Ardyth Prather Jr Death

Despite having been shot and stabbed, 65-year-old Joann Prather, Mr. Prather’s wife, was still alive. After receiving emergency care at the scene from Somerset/Pulaski EMS, Ms. Prather was flown to Lexington via air ambulance. As of the publication of this news release, Ms. Prather’s condition is unknown.

Officers also discovered blood on the door of a Raleigh Road adjoining house. Because there might be more victims and because there were safety concerns, the officers went inside the house.

Inside the house, a dead man, later identified as 43-year-old Ardyth Prather III, also known as “Trae,” was discovered. Before the police arrived, the suspected offender, Austin Prather, a 20-year-old son or grandchild of the victims, had left the scene in a 2013 Brown Jeep Wrangler. Prather ought to be regarded as dangerous and armed. Later this morning, an arrest warrant for Prather on two charges of murder and one count of attempted murder should be active.

Ardyth Prather III Death

To start the investigation, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the Somerset Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police sent a team known as the Major Crimes Task Force to the area. The principal investigator in this case is Detective Ryan Jones of the Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division.

Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about this case or the whereabouts of Austin Prather, age 20, to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 606-678-5145 or any other police agency or 911 Center. Please do not approach Mr. Prather, who is considered armed and dangerous. Sheriff Jones says you can also call our tip line at 606-679-8477.

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