FLAT GAP, Ky. — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is now confirming that a total of five people are dead in two separate locations in Johnson County.
It was initially reported that two people were dead of apparent gunshot wounds at the home on McKenzie Branch off Ky. 172, where police found two deceased individuals. A 911 call reporting the incident came in just before 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, and police began searching for a male suspect in the apparent shooting. Now, police have confirmed that a total of five people are dead in two separate locations in Johnson County.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office tells EKB News that in addition to the two deceased individuals found at McKenzie Branch, three other bodies have been located at an apartment on Mill Street in Paintsville, including that of the suspect believed to have carried out the shootings.
According to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Dwayne Price responded to the reported shooting at McKenzie Branch, and met with Johnson County deputies Fairchild and Mullins. According the statement, it was was discovered that two people had been shot and were deceased in the kitchen area of the residence, and the suspect in the shooting had fled the scene in a black Toyota Camry. Johnson County deputies, Kentucky State Police and Paintsville Police began searching for the vehicle, the statement said, and located it on Mill Street in Paintsville.
The statement said police then searched a nearby apartment and located the bodies of two more deceased individuals, as well as the body of Joseph Nickell, the man believed to be responsible for the shootings. Johnson County Sheriff Dwayne Price said Nickell is believed to have taken his own life. The identities of those allegedly killed by Nickell have not be released.
“This has been a horrific murder spree,” Sheriff Price said in the statement. “The lives of four innocent victims were taken. The perpetrator then took his own life. There are no words to describe the heartbreak in seeing four lives taken due to the actions of one man. I have worked in law enforcement for 34 years. This is one of the most disturbing acts of violence I have ever seen. We will continue to work this case in conjunction with the Kentucky State Police. I ask for prayers for the families.”
In the statement, Sheriff Price also said, “In respect, for the victims, we are not releasing any names pending notification of families.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The original statement from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office can be found below. Additional information will be released when it is made available to EKB News.
From the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office:
“At 1533 on Saturday, February 10, 2018, Paintsville 911 received a call concerning a shooting at McKenzie Branch. Upon receiving the call, 911 dispatch contacted Sheriff Price. Sheriff Price responded to the call. Upon arrival at the residence in McKenzie Branch, Sheriff Price met with Deputies Fairchild and Mullins. It was discovered that two people had been shot and were deceased in the kitchen. Sheriff Price then notified KSP and requested a detective on scene. The suspect was not there, and a search needed to be coordinated. According to a witness the perpetrator left the scene in a black Toyota Camry. Sheriff Price put a BOLO out on the Camry. Sheriff Price, Johnson County Deputies along with Paintsville PD and the Kentucky State Police began a coordinated search of possible locations. Other counties were also advised to be on alert. The suspect was to be considered armed and dangerous. While canvassing the area, 911 received a tip that the subject’s vehicle was on Mill Street in Paintsville. All agencies responded and located the vehicle. Sheriff Price led a search of the apartment complex. An apartment was located that had the bodies of two additional victims and the preparator, Joseph Nickell. All three were deceased. Sheriff Price stated, “This has been a horrific murder spree. The lives of four innocent victims were taken. The perpetrator then took his own life. There are no words to describe the heartbreak in seeing four lives taken due to the actions of one man. I have worked in law enforcement for 34 years. This is one of the most disturbing acts of violence I have ever seen.” Sheriff Price further stated “We will continue to work this case in conjunction with the Kentucky State Police. I ask for prayers for the families.” Sheriff Price concluded by saying, “In respect, for the victims, we are not releasing any names pending notification of families.””
