A man from Kentucky, Austin Prather, is wanted for allegedly killing two family members and injuring another. The Pulaski County sheriff has issued an arrest warrant for Prather on charges of murder and attempted murder. Prather is considered dangerous and anyone with information is urged to contact the sheriff’s office. Amber Ruch reported
Pulaski County, Kentucky Man Accused of Killing Two Family Members and Injuring Another
A Kentucky man, Austin Prather, aged 20, is currently wanted by authorities in connection with the alleged murder of two family members and the attempted murder of a third individual.
The Pulaski County sheriff has stated that an arrest warrant for Prather, charging him with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, is expected to be active by Wednesday morning.
Prather is considered to be armed and dangerous, creating a sense of urgency in his apprehension.
The incident took place in Science Hill, Kentucky, where authorities responded to a distress call reporting a shooting victim on Raleigh Road at approximately 11:47 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the lifeless body of 67-year-old Ardyth “Ray” Prather, Jr., who had apparently sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Additionally, his wife, 65-year-old Joann Prather, was found at the scene, having suffered both gunshot and stab wounds. Despite her injuries, she was alive at the time.
Joann Prather received immediate medical attention at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. As of Wednesday night, her condition remains unknown.
Further investigation led officers to a neighboring home on Raleigh Road, where they noticed bloodstains on the door. Concerned about the possibility of additional victims, they entered the premises and discovered the lifeless body of 43-year-old Ardyth “Trae” Prather III.
Austin Prather, the son and grandson of the deceased victims, is the prime suspect in the case, according to the sheriff’s office. It is believed that he fled the scene in a 2013 brown Jeep Wrangler prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
The Major Crimes Task Force, comprising the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the Somerset Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police, promptly responded to the scene to aid in the investigation.
Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones urges anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Austin Prather to contact the sheriff’s office at 606-678-5145, any other police agency, or dial 911. It is important to note that approaching Prather directly is strongly discouraged for safety reasons.
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