Inez, Ky – An investigation into the death of an 11-year-old Martin County boy has led to indictments against his parents. Coroner Chris Todd says the child died August 13, 2025, and the case has been investigated by his office, Kentucky State Police, and the Department of Social Services. A grand jury has indicted 34-year-old Patrick Speer and Christina Chapman for first-degree criminal abuse and second-degree manslaughter. Speer was arrested Thursday; both have bonds set at 100,000 dollars.

Johnson County, Ky – Churches and community members in Johnson County are rallying around a local family as a teen recovers from severe burns. Seventeen-year-old Braylon DeWire was hurt two weeks ago when burning brush ignited a fuel can he was holding, causing an explosion that burned more than half his body. He was stabilized, then flown to a pediatric hospital in Columbus with a burn unit, where he remains. Now the community is helping with medical costs, including a gospel sing benefit February 21 at East Side Freewill Baptist Church in Thelma at 5 p.m.

Floyd County, Ky – The Kentucky Court of Appeals has again upheld the 26-year sentence of 66-year-old Jimmy Thacker Jr, convicted of shooting a woman at a Floyd County home in 2010.​ Judges also warned Thacker that any more motions to vacate his conviction on issues already raised, or that could have been raised, could lead to sanctions.​Thacker was found guilty of first-degree assault, five counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, and being a persistent felony offender, and has now filed four appeals, most recently claiming his sentence should be reduced to 20 years.

Frankfort, Ky – Multiple DUI arrests could soon keep some Kentuckians from buying alcohol.​ A bill filed in the Kentucky General Assembly would put a red tag on a driver’s license after a fourth DUI, blocking commercial or retail alcohol purchases for two years.​ The proposal is modeled after a Utah law and is aimed at repeat offenders who show a pattern of dangerous behavior, with lawmakers saying a fourth offense clearly signals a life-controlling problem.​ The red tag would follow the fourth offense, which is already a felony DUI in Kentucky, and the bill is awaiting committee assignment.