Kentucky State Police Investigate Letcher County Shooting

WHITESBURG, Ky. (July 18, 2026) – On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 4:39 p.m., Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 13 in Hazard received a 911 call reporting a shooting at a laundromat located on Jenkins Road in the Whitesburg community of Letcher County.

Kentucky State Police troopers, along with the Whitesburg Police Department, Letcher County Sheriff’s Office, and emergency medical personnel, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders located Sarah Wyatt, 54, of Whitesburg, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to Pikeville Medical Center, where she is currently listed in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation indicates that following the shooting, the suspected shooter, Richard Wyatt Sr., 62, of Whitesburg, fled the scene with his son, Richard Wyatt Jr., 33, of Whitesburg, to another residence on Jenkins Road. Once there, Richard Wyatt Sr. sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and died at the scene. The projectile also struck Richard Wyatt Jr., who was able to drive himself to Whitesburg ARH Hospital before being transferred to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment. He is currently listed in stable condition.

Richard Wyatt Sr. was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Kentucky State Police, Detective Nathan Roark.

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