News Summary
Florence, KY is in mourning after a mass shooting during a birthday party left four dead and three injured. The suspect fled the scene but later succumbed to injuries. Community leaders are offering support services as residents grapple with the shock of this unprecedented tragedy.
Florence, KY is in mourning following a tragic mass shooting that left four people dead and three others injured during a birthday party early Saturday morning. The shooting occurred on Ridgecrest Drive at around 2:50 a.m., where a celebration for Melissa Parrett’s son quickly turned into a scene of chaos and sorrow.
Upon arriving at the location after receiving reports of gunfire, police officers could still hear shots being fired and found seven victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased have been identified as Melissa Parrett, 44, Shane Miller, 20, Hayden Rybicki, 20, and Delaney Eary, 19. Meanwhile, three other victims were transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where they are currently reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect in the shooting, identified as Chase Garvey, 21, fled the scene immediately after the incident. Law enforcement attempted to pull him over near Farmview Drive and U.S. 42, but Garvey led officers on a vehicle chase that ended when he crashed into a ditch on Dale Heimbrock Way near Hicks Pike. Police discovered Garvey with a self-inflicted gunshot wound; he was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Initial investigations revealed that Garvey was not an invited guest at the birthday party but had some prior knowledge of the attendees. Records indicate that he had a criminal history, including a felony conviction in 2021 for unlawful transactions involving a minor. As the investigation continues, authorities are still working to determine the motive for the shooting. So far, it is believed that Garvey acted alone, with no further threat to public safety.
This incident marks a grim first for the Florence community, which has not previously experienced a mass shooting. Police Chief Jeff Mallery noted the profound emotional impact such an event has on a community known for its safety and close-knit nature. Residents have expressed feelings of shock and grief, as the area has generally been regarded as a secure place to live.
The Florence shooting is part of an alarming trend, being the third mass shooting in Greater Cincinnati within the year and the 20th mass killing reported in the United States in 2024. In response to the tragedy, local officials and community leaders have begun to offer mental health support and counseling services to those affected. Vigils and memorials are also being organized to honor the victims, as families and friends come together to share memories and reflect on their loss.
The Florence Police Department is seeking information from the public related to the shooting. Individuals who may have witnessed the events or have relevant details are encouraged to reach out and contact law enforcement at 859-371-1234.
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Additional Resources
- Cincinnati.com: Florence shooting leaves 4 dead
- Wikipedia: Mass shooting
- WLWT: Florence mass shooting details
- Google Search: Florence KY shooting 2024
- Fox19: 4 killed, suspect identified in Florence shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass shooting
- LINK nky: Florence shooting officers honored
- Google News: Florence shooting
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.