Kentucky State Police Post 9 Conducts Murder Investigation in Johnson County

THEALKA, Ky. (August 01, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 9, Pikeville, was notified by Paintsville 911 Dispatch of a shooting in Johnson County on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Troopers responded to a residence on Main Camp Branch, where they located Richard Roberts, of River, unresponsive in the driveway of the residence. Roberts appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.

The preliminary investigation indicates Blake Webb discharged a firearm, striking Richard Roberts after a brief physical altercation. Webb then fled the scene in an unknown direction but was taken into custody nearby a short time later. Roberts was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office.

As a result of the investigation, Blake Webb, 27, of West Van Lear, was arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. Webb is currently charged with Murder, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.

Detective Joseph Coleman is leading the investigation and was assisted at the scene by additional KSP personnel, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Paintsville Police Department.

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