Kentucky State Police Investigate Knott County Murder

KITE, Ky. (September 29, 2026) — Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday evening in the Kite community of Knott County.

Kentucky State Police, Post 13 in Hazard received a report of a shooting at approximately 9:39 p.m. on Monday, September 28. Troopers, along with emergency medical personnel, responded to the area of the 13000 block of KY-7.

Upon arrival, troopers located a male subject outside an apartment who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The individual was identified as Terry Short, 55, of Kite. Short was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Knott County Coroner’s Office.

The preliminary investigation indicates an altercation occurred between Short and Robert Short, 44, of Kite. During the altercation, a firearm was discharged, striking Terry Short. Robert Short was located at the scene and taken into custody. He was transported to the Kentucky River Regional Jail, where he was lodged and charged with one count of murder.

An autopsy has been scheduled with the Kentucky Office of the State Medical Examiner in Frankfort. The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Detective Nathan Roark.

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