‘Trying to leave him all day’: Woman who brought friend to help her break up with boyfriend is brutally killed before man turns gun on himself, cops say

Authorities in Kentucky are investigating a devastating murder-suicide that claimed the lives of two young women after one of them reportedly attempted to end her relationship with her boyfriend. Investigators believe 21-year-old James Priddy fatally shot his girlfriend, 18-year-old Jadeance Hale, and her close friend, 19-year-old Lila Asher, before taking his own life. The incident unfolded on the night of June 7, 2026, following what police described as a domestic violence situation that escalated into a deadly pursuit.

Plans to End Relationship Led to Growing Concern

According to investigators, Jadeance Hale had decided to break up with James Priddy and had enlisted the support of her friend, Lila Asher, during the difficult conversation. Authorities say Hale wanted someone with her because she was concerned about being alone with Priddy while ending the relationship.

Family members reportedly became alarmed after Hale, Asher, and Priddy left a residence in Barbourville, Kentucky, supposedly to get food. As time passed and communication became increasingly concerning, relatives feared something was wrong.

Disturbing 911 Call Raised Alarms

The situation escalated when Hale’s mother reportedly contacted emergency dispatchers in distress. According to reports cited by local media and referenced by investigators, the mother told authorities that her daughter and friend were with a man who would not allow them to leave.

Audio from emergency communications revealed dispatchers relaying information that Hale had allegedly been attempting to get away from Priddy throughout the day.

A dispatcher reportedly stated: “She tells me that they got proof that this female has been trying to leave him all day. Trying to get her. This male has took off with her.”

Police Begin Pursuit of Vehicle

At approximately 10:45 p.m., the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Barbourville Police Department regarding a red Chevrolet Cobalt connected to a possible domestic violence complaint. Officers began following the vehicle as concerns mounted over the safety of the occupants.

According to law enforcement officials, the driver refused to stop when officers attempted to intervene. The vehicle continued traveling while police pursued it through the area.

Chase Comes to Sudden End

Authorities said officers attempted to contain the vehicle during the pursuit. During those efforts, the Chevrolet reportedly struck another vehicle and came to a stop. Deputies quickly approached to check on the occupants.

What they discovered inside was a scene of unimaginable tragedy.

Deputies Discover All Three Occupants Dead

When law enforcement officers looked into the vehicle, they found Hale, Asher, and Priddy dead. Preliminary findings led investigators to conclude that Priddy had shot both women before turning the firearm on himself.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office later stated that all available evidence pointed to Priddy killing Hale and Asher before taking his own life. Officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and reviewing the events that led up to the shooting.

Friend Had Agreed to Accompany Hale for Support

Reports indicate that Lila Asher accompanied Hale because she wanted emotional support while ending the relationship. Family members and friends later described the two young women as extremely close, often spending time together and supporting one another through difficult situations.

Additional accounts referenced by media reports suggest Hale expressed fear about being alone with Priddy and wanted another person present. Asher reportedly agreed to go with the couple in an effort to help her friend navigate the breakup safely.

Emotional Final Moments Reportedly Shared With Family

According to accounts shared by family members and referenced in media coverage, relatives spent hours attempting to calm the situation before it turned deadly. Some reports indicate that Hale and her mother exchanged emotional words during what would become one of their final conversations.

Those details have added another heartbreaking dimension to a case that has shaken families and the local community.

Community Mourns Two Young Lives

Following the tragedy, fundraising campaigns were launched to assist the families of Jadeance Hale and Lila Asher. Organizers described the young women as vibrant individuals whose lives were cut tragically short. Friends and loved ones expressed shock and grief over the sudden loss.

One fundraiser noted that the pair shared a deep friendship and that their families hoped to honor that bond. The campaign described the women as inseparable and emphasized the profound impact their deaths have had on relatives and friends.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have not announced any additional suspects and continue to treat the case as a murder-suicide. Investigators are reviewing evidence, witness statements, and the sequence of events that unfolded before the fatal shooting.

The deaths of Jadeance Hale and Lila Asher have renewed discussions about the dangers that can arise during relationship breakups, particularly in situations involving allegations of control, domestic violence, or fear of retaliation. As the investigation moves forward, family members and community residents continue mourning two young women whose lives ended in a tragedy that authorities believe began with an attempt to leave an unhealthy relationship.