Holly MatkinLouisville, KY – Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Deputy Brandon Shirley was murdered in the line of duty on Thursday morning as he was working a security job.
The attack occurred on Rockford Lane near Dover Road at approximately 2:30 a.m., WLKY reported.
The 26-year-old deputy was in his uniform and sitting in his unmarked vehicle as he worked his off-duty security job at a used car lot, WDRB reported.
That’s when an unidentified suspect suddenly walked up and shot him, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Spokesperson Alicia Smiley told reporters, according to WAVE.
The deputy was able to use his radio to call for help, according to the Courier Journal.
JCSO Lieutenant Colonel Carl Yates said Deputy Shirley was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital and rushed into surgery, WLKY reported.
Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey held a press conference later in the morning to announce Deputy Shirley’s tragic death.
“His wounds proved to be too extensive and he did not survive,” the emotional sheriff told reporters, according to WDRB.
Sheriff Aubrey said the young deputy’s murder was both “tragic and senseless.”
The LMPD is handling the ongoing investigation into the attack.
No arrests have been made thus far.
“We have very, very few leads to go on this point,” Smiley said, according to WDRB. “We would certainly ask the community to not only offer their prayers but to also send us information. If anyone saw something out of the ordinary, if they heard something in this area, please give us a call…”
Law enforcement officers are currently searching the area for the gunman.
“We have our Public Integrity Unit they are knocking on doors and actually canvassing the neighborhood to talk with people,” Smiley said, according to WAVE. “K9 will be attempting to locate a track. The air unit is up. And again, that would include the community as well.”
LMPD Chief Erika Shields said investigators are certain Deputy Shirley was “targeted and ambushed,” WDRB reported.
“It is just sickening,” the chief said, adding that investigators have potentially identified “a couple of suspects.”
“We will make an arrest,” she vowed.
Deputy Shirley joined the JCSO on March 18, 2019 and was assigned to court security, Sheriff Aubrey told WDRB.
“He loved being a deputy sheriff, and he was a good one,” the sheriff added.
During the agency’s most recent award ceremony, he was the recipient of the Medal of Valor, Sheriff Aubrey said.
“Everybody liked him,” JCSO Major George Grissom told WLKY. “He was a good person. He was good to be around.”
Deputy Shirley’s murder is the fifth line-of-duty death in the history of the department, Lt. Col. Yates told reporters during the press conference Thursday morning.
Jefferson Co Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed was Brandon Shirley, 26. LMPD Chief: “He was targeted. We will make an arrest.” pic.twitter.com/7HOyOIaVa5
— Connie Leonard (@ConnieLeonard) August 5, 2021
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to
Sheriff John Aubrey and the Jefferson Co. Sheriff's Office on the death of Deputy Brandon Shirley. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. #LMPD #Louisville #Kentucky #WeHaveTheWatch #JCSOKY #LawEnforcement #Sheriff pic.twitter.com/f8BRKd2TUO— LMPD (@LMPD) August 5, 2021
"It is just sickening. We will make an arrest. We will make an arrest." — @LMPD Chief Erika Shields on the fatal shooting of Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Shirley. pic.twitter.com/1OC7Kb624Y
— Paul Miles (@PaulMiles840) August 5, 2021
Sheriff Aubrey shares that at 2:30 am deputy Brandon Shirley,26 was shot while off duty doing a security job and did pass away. @WHAS11 pic.twitter.com/Vbui9KorcD
— Gabrielle Harmon (@_GabbyHarmonTV) August 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandon Shirley, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Deputy Brandon Shirley, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
