FAR MIDDLE FORK – A home intruder was fatally shot after reportedly threatening the residents when they arrived home.
On Sunday, January 17, a 911 call came into Magoffin County dispatch reporting a shooting at a mobile home on KY Rt. 378 near the Magoffin/Breathitt county line.
Kentucky State Police investigators responded to the home and discovered a male had been shot. According to a press release from KSP, the initial investigation indicates Bradley Johnson, 28, of Olive Hill, was unlawfully inside the residence of Lyndon Holland, an altercation ensued and a firearm was discharged, resulting in Johnson suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene by Magoffin County Coroner’s Office.
Magoffin County Deputy Coroner Brian Parker told Mortimer Media, “After forcing entry, he demanded their belongings and money and there was an altercation. Mr. Holland was assaulted by Mr. Johnson.
He then walked around the corner of his SUV, grabbed a Ruger .22, and fired one time in the air. He asked Mr. Johnson to please leave the property, but Mr. Johnson then grabbed a hammer and came around the front of the vehicle, threatening his life. He then fired and shot Mr. Johnson in the chest, single shot, and killed Mr. Johnson.”
According to the coroner’s report, Johnson had punched Holland in the face during the altercation prior to Holland getting a gun out of his vehicle. Multiple shots were fired, but only one shot hit Johnson.
Johnson’s body was sent to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy and toxicology report.
Johnson’s mother, who lives in Morehead, told the coroner’s office her son had a history of drug addiction and has been in and out of jail for multiple reasons. She also stated that her other son, Nicholas Stephens, died of a gunshot wound, as well, a few years ago, in an incident that was listed as an accident.
While KSP had Johnson listed as living in Olive Hill, according to jail records, when Johnson was arrested for a reported DUI in Salyersville on January 2 this year, he had an Oakley Fork, Salyersville address. In 2017, when arrested for a probation violation and taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, he had a Salyersville address, and in 2016 in two different arrests, including one for manufacturing methamphetamine, he had addresses in West Liberty.
KSP Detective Kevin Newsome is leading the investigation and he was assisted on the scene by KSP personnel and Lifeguard Ambulance Service. Magoffin County Rescue Squad and Magoffin County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene.
According to KSP, the investigation will be presented to the Magoffin County Grand Jury for consideration. No charges have been filed at this time and the incident is being handled as a self-defense case.
Johnson is survived by a son, Bentley Johnson, of Carter County, mom, Amanda Patrick, of Morehead, and brother, Zachery Stephens, of Elliot County.
