LEE COUNTY, KY — Community in Shock After Apparent Murder-Suicide Claims Two Lives on Sally Davis Road
LEE COUNTY, KY — A profound sense of grief and disbelief has settled over the quiet, forested hills of Lee County, Kentucky, after a devastating tragedy claimed the lives of two local residents. On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) confirmed the deaths of 49-year-old Bearl Ashcraft and his 28-year-old girlfriend, Hayley Davidson, in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.
The tragic discovery was made at a residence along Sally Davis Road, a remote and peaceful area just outside Beattyville. Lee County Sheriff Joe Lucas had been conducting a welfare check at the home after concerned relatives reported not being able to reach the couple over the weekend. What he found was a scene that would shake even the most seasoned law enforcement officials.
According to a statement released by KSP Post 7 in Richmond, both Ashcraft and Davidson were pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation suggests that Bearl Ashcraft fatally shot Hayley Davidson before taking his own life. Authorities have not released specific details about the motive, citing the ongoing investigation, but emphasized there is no threat to the public.
The KSP Critical Incident Response Team and detectives from Post 7 are continuing to process evidence and interview individuals who knew the couple. Autopsies will be performed by the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort to confirm the official cause and manner of death.
A Small Community Grieves
News of the incident has left the close-knit Lee County community reeling. Friends, neighbors, and extended family members have expressed disbelief and sorrow, describing both victims as individuals who, despite their struggles, were deeply loved by those around them.
“Hayley was kind, beautiful, and full of life,” said one friend in a social media tribute. “She deserved so much more. My heart breaks for her family.” Others expressed sympathy for both families affected by the tragedy, acknowledging the complexities of mental health and domestic relationships.
Ashcraft, a longtime Lee County resident, was known to some as a quiet man with a reserved demeanor, while Davidson, originally from Wolfe County, had recently moved to the area and was remembered as vibrant and hopeful about her future. Sources close to the couple said there were signs of emotional strain in their relationship, but no one expected such a horrific outcome.
Addressing Domestic Violence and Mental Health
As the community begins to come to terms with this loss, local leaders and advocates have renewed calls for increased awareness around domestic violence and mental health intervention services in rural Kentucky.
“There are people suffering in silence, and we need to make sure that resources are available and accessible before things escalate to this point,” said a representative from Kentucky River Community Care, a regional behavioral health organization. “We can’t bring back Hayley or Bearl, but we can work to ensure others don’t fall through the cracks.”
In 2024, Kentucky reported an increase in intimate partner-related violence in rural counties, underscoring a critical need for more robust prevention and outreach programs, particularly in underserved areas like Lee County.
A Call for Compassion
As detectives continue their work, the overriding sentiment in Lee County remains one of sorrow and compassion. Two lives have been lost, and two families are left with unimaginable grief. Candlelight vigils and memorials are being organized in Beattyville and neighboring communities to honor Hayley’s memory and support her grieving relatives.
“We are devastated,” said a family member of Davidson. “We never imagined this would happen. We only hope others will listen, speak up, and seek help before it’s too late.”
Anyone struggling with domestic abuse or mental health issues is encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
As Lee County mourns this tragedy, it also reflects deeply on the urgent need for understanding, intervention, and healing in the wake of domestic turmoil — a reminder that even in the quietest places, heartbreaking silence can hide unbearable pain.