Kentucky State Police Conduct Death Investigation in Bourbon County Following Vehicle Fire

***UPDATE***

Dry Ridge, KY (February 26th, 2021) – The Kentucky State Police, Post 6, in collaboration with the State Examiners Office and Bourbon County Coroner, positively identified the human remains as Lazarus R. Parker (38) of Lexington, KY. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to further determine the circumstances surrounding his death. More information may be available for release as the investigation continues.

Original press release below:

Paris, KY (February 9th, 2021) – The Kentucky State Police, Post 6 in Dry Ridge, was contacted by Bourbon County Dispatch just after 7:00 A.M. requesting investigative assistance following a vehicle fire.

The initial investigation indicates that the Bourbon County Fire Department responded to 505 Hutchinson Road around 5:30 A.M. after a passerby observed flames and smoke coming from a barn near the roadway. Firefighters discovered a 4-door passenger car fully engulfed in flames, parked inside of the barn. After subduing the fire, firefighters located what appeared to be human remains and contacted Kentucky State Police. The Bourbon County Coroner responded to the scene and removed the human remains.

Detectives with Post 6 are actively working to determine the cause and reason for the fire and identify the victim involved. Anyone with information surrounding the incident is encouraged to contact Post 6 at 859-428-1212. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow in Louisville, KY.

Detective Jeffrey Gaby is leading the ongoing investigation. He was assisted on scene by KSP Personnel, Bourbon County Fire Department, Bourbon County Coroner, and KSP Post 7 Arson Investigator.

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