Fayette County, Ky. — Community Grieves Double Homicide Outside Lex. Library Branch

Fayette County, Ky. — Community Grieves Double Homicide Outside Lex. Library Branch

The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has identified Edward Parker, 52, and Ashim Heanacho, 71, as the two men who were fatally shot early Saturday morning outside the Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library, located on Russell Cave Road 

🕒 Incident Details

• Time & Location: Just before 3:30 a.m. Saturday, emergency responders were dispatched to the 1700 block of Russell Cave Road, outside the library’s Northside Branch 

• Victims Found: First responders discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both Edward Parker (52) and Ashim Heanacho (71) were pronounced dead at the scene Library Connection: According to Lexington Police, the shooting occurred directly outside the public library’s entrance 

🚔 Arrest & Official Response

• Suspect in Custody: At approximately 2:30 p.m. that same day, 69-year-old Deborah Weiss was arrested in connection with the double homicide. She faces two counts of murder and remains held at the Fayette County Detention CenterOngoing Investigation: The Lexington Police Department’s Personal Crimes detectives are actively investigating the case, gathering evidence and soliciting tips from the public 

💔 Community Response & Impact

• Public Mourning: Lexington community leaders and residents expressed deep sorrow. Councilmember Tyler Morton, representing District 1, said he is “heartbroken to learn of the senseless violence that claimed the lives of two individuals in our community” and stressed the urgency of proactive efforts to prevent future tragedies 

• Emotional Toll: The deaths have shaken trust in safety—especially given the location outside a public library. Community activist Terry Dumphord described it as particularly alarming, noting that gun violence in Lexington has occurred in public spaces ranging from libraries to malls 

• Call to Action: Advocates urge increased investment toward violence prevention—supporting nonprofits, faith-based groups, crisis response teams, and city leadership in building safer neighborhoods 

📝 Case Summary

🧭 Broader Significance & Reflection

This heartbreaking incident underscores the tragic unpredictability of urban violence—even in spaces meant for learning, community, and fellowship. A location like a public library should be a safe refuge, and this loss has elevated community concerns regarding public safety and trust.

Leaders, activists, and neighbors alike have emphasized the need for multifaceted engagement—from law enforcement to grassroots organizations—to foster community resilience. Councilmember Morton’s remarks highlight the ripple effect of such a tragedy across families and neighborhoods, and the continued responsibility to honor lives lost through tangible efforts toward peace and healing .

📣 Seeking Public Participation

Anyone with information—especially those who may have been nearby, captured security footage, or observed suspicious activity—is encouraged to reach out confidentially to Lexington Police or Bluegrass Crime Stoppers. Community cooperation remains vital to bringing resolution and justice.

🌟 Final Reflection

We mourn the lives of Edward Parker and Ashim Heanacho, and extend heartfelt condolences to their families and all touched by their loss. In the wake of this violence, Lexington has recommitted to building a safer, more peaceful community—one guided by compassion, vigilance, and collective purpose.