Unsolved cases in Kentucky

Jump to a case or switch states. Each file lays out what happened, who the victims were, every named suspect, and the evidence for and against them.

12 cases

Full file published

The Betty Gail Brown Case

1961 · Lexington, Kentucky

A Transylvania sophomore strangled in her parked car on campus. A drifter confessed and the trial ended in a hung jury.

Full file published

The Bill and Peggy Stephenson Murders

2011 · Florence, Kentucky

A church deacon and his wife, both 74, killed in a staged scene. An unmatched DNA profile and a fingerprint that does not fit it.

Full file published

The Gerald A. Johnson Case

1973 · Petersburg, Boone County, Kentucky

A man found bound, shot and tied to an anchor in the Ohio River. The sheriff says he had Cleveland organized-crime ties.

Full file published

The Happy Thomas Case

1998-1999 · Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky

A 74-year-old chili-parlor owner shot in front of his home. He died more than two months later.

Full file published

The Jason Ellis Case

2013 · Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky

A Bardstown police officer stopped to clear branches from the Bluegrass Parkway and was shot. The FBI offers up to $50,000.

Full file published

The Judy Wright Case

1997 · Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky

A woman last seen leaving a bar with a man who gave a first name. Her skeleton was found months later in a vacant lot.

Full file published

The Kathy and Samantha Netherland Murders

2014 · Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky

A teacher and her 16-year-old daughter killed at home. The only public lead is a black Chevrolet Impala on gas-station video.

Full file published

The Lesley Sparrow Case

1979 · Richwood, Boone County, Kentucky

A traveling employee found shot in the trunk of her car at a Richwood hotel. The public record is one sheriff entry.

Full file published

The Linda Pierson Case

1966 · Dayton, Kentucky

An 18-year-old found by children playing hide-and-seek near the Ohio River. Kentucky State Police say someone knows more.

Full file published

The Lois McCain Case

1995 · Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky

A mother of two strangled and drowned in her apartment. Neighbors heard a noise at 1 a.m. and someone running down the stairs.

Full file published

The Tommy Ballard Case

2016 · Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky

Crystal Rogers' father shot while preparing to hunt with his grandson. His daughter's case ended in convictions; his has not.

Full file published

The William Goebel Assassination

1900 · Frankfort, Kentucky

The only assassination of a sitting US governor. Three men were convicted and all were pardoned. The shooter was never established.