On Tuesday afternoon, a tragic incident unfolded at the Comfort Inn located on All Star Way in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Assistant Chief Matt Marshall of the Nicholasville Police Department confirmed to LEX 18 that a 13-year-old boy was killed in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide.
The young victim was reportedly shot by his father, 57-year-old Joseph Kiser, who then turned the weapon on himself. According to police reports, hotel staff became concerned after the room’s occupants failed to check out at the scheduled time.
As is customary in such situations, staff entered the room to assess the situation. Upon entering, they were confronted with a disturbing scene — two individuals lying in bed, both appearing to have suffered serious trauma. The staff immediately contacted local authorities.
When police officers arrived on the scene, they quickly determined that both individuals were deceased. Assistant Chief Marshall stated that the man, later identified as Joseph Kiser, died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Lying next to him was his 13-year-old son, who had also sustained fatal injuries. Though the exact cause of the boy’s death has not yet been officially released, police have categorized the case as a murder-suicide.
Further investigation revealed a troubling timeline leading up to the incident. Kiser and his son had checked into the hotel on July 23. Just five days later, on July 28, the boy had been officially reported missing from the Raleigh, North Carolina area.
It remains unclear at this point whether the boy had left with his father voluntarily or if he had been taken without consent. Authorities are still working to piece together the circumstances of the case, including what led them to Kentucky and what events may have transpired during their stay at the hotel.
This incident has shaken both the local community in Nicholasville and those who knew the victims back in North Carolina. Law enforcement officials say they are coordinating with authorities in Raleigh as part of the ongoing investigation.
While no additional suspects are being sought, investigators are seeking to understand the motive behind the murder-suicide and to uncover any potential warning signs that might have preceded the tragedy.
Assistant Chief Marshall emphasized the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, stating that the investigation remains active and more details will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, both local and out-of-state agencies are expected to continue working together to understand the broader context of this devastating event.
The Comfort Inn management has not released a formal statement but is cooperating fully with authorities. Grief counselors and support services are being made available for staff members who discovered the scene.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, officials ask for privacy for the family members and patience as the investigation continues. This is a developing story, and more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.
