Kentucky State Police Arrest Pike County Man for Murder 

PIKEVILLE, KY. (September 8, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post received a 911 call regarding an unresponsive male in the Heller community of Pike County on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

KSP troopers responded to Allegheny Road, where they discovered a male subject was deceased near the roadway. The initial investigation revealed Brent Wooten, 45 years old of Elkhorn City, had an injury to his left side.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office. Wooten’s body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy and to determine exact cause of death.

Through further investigation it was determined foul play was involved.

As a result of this investigation, Brandon Blackburn was arrested and lodged in the Pike County Detention Center. Blackburn is currently charged with Murder, Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felony, and Persistent Felony Offender.

Detective Jason Merlo led the investigation and was assisted on scene by KSP personnel.

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