PRESTONSBURG, KENTUCKY — On the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025, the Prestonsburg/Floyd County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a distressing 911 call reporting a shooting incident at a residence in the 2300 block of Kentucky Route 321 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The caller, later identified as 22-year-old Summer Adkins of Prestonsburg, informed emergency dispatchers that she had shot her father, 62-year-old Jimmy D. Harvey, also a Prestonsburg resident. This unexpected and tragic call initiated a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services, setting the stage for an unfolding investigation into a shocking and heartbreaking act of violence.
When the call was made, the situation immediately prompted a full emergency response. Prestonsburg Police Department officers and Prestonsburg Fire & EMS units were dispatched to the scene, arriving promptly at the location to begin their assessment of the situation. Upon arrival, officers found Summer Adkins standing outside the residence. She was taken into custody without resistance and placed under arrest. Inside the home, first responders discovered her father, Jimmy D. Harvey, seated in a chair, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The scene was chaotic and distressing, as law enforcement officials worked quickly to assess the situation and provide immediate care.
Floyd County Coroner Greg Nelson was notified right away and arrived at the scene to assess the victim’s condition. After conducting a thorough examination, Coroner Nelson determined that Jimmy D. Harvey had tragically passed away from his injuries. He was officially pronounced deceased at the scene. Harvey’s body was then transported to the Office of the Kentucky Chief Medical Examiner for a comprehensive autopsy and forensic evaluation. The details of the autopsy will likely provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the death, but the immediate aftermath left those involved in the case in shock.
Summer Adkins was arrested at the scene and charged with one count of murder. As the arrest was made, the community was left grappling with the unsettling reality of what had unfolded. The relationship between Adkins and her father, which had once been one of familial bonds, was now at the center of a homicide investigation. The motive and circumstances behind the shooting are currently under investigation by the Prestonsburg Police Department, as they work to uncover the events leading up to this tragic incident.
Detective Dennis M. Hutchinson has been appointed as the lead investigator for the case, overseeing all aspects of the investigation. Detective Hutchinson and his team are currently conducting a detailed inquiry into the incident. This includes collecting and processing physical evidence from the crime scene, interviewing witnesses who may have seen or heard anything relevant, and reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area. Investigators are also collaborating with forensic experts to analyze ballistics and other forensic data that may help establish a timeline and clarify the sequence of events that occurred before and during the shooting.
The Prestonsburg Police Department is working diligently to ensure that the investigation is thorough and transparent, keeping the public informed as much as possible while respecting the privacy of those involved. This incident has raised numerous questions, including what led Summer Adkins to take such drastic and tragic action against her own father. Was there a history of conflict or domestic issues, or was this an isolated event? At this point, investigators are carefully piecing together the facts in an attempt to answer these questions and determine the motive behind the shooting.
The tragic event has rocked the small, tight-knit community of Prestonsburg, which is known for its peace and calm. Residents of the area have expressed shock and disbelief at the news, as the killing of a family member by another family member is an event that is hard to comprehend in such a close community. While details about the relationship between Summer Adkins and Jimmy D. Harvey have not yet been fully disclosed, this tragedy has left many in the community wondering about the circumstances that led to such a devastating act.
Chief of Police Ross C. Shurtleff has extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and reassured the public that the police department is committed to a transparent and thorough investigation. “We understand that this incident has left many in our community heartbroken and confused. We are fully committed to uncovering the truth and bringing justice to all parties involved,” Chief Shurtleff stated. “At this time, we ask for privacy and compassion for the family as they go through this difficult period of mourning. The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Law enforcement officials have also urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist investigators. They emphasized the importance of public cooperation in uncovering any further details that could shed light on the tragic events. Individuals who may have witnessed the incident or who have any knowledge of the circumstances leading up to the shooting are urged to contact the Indiana State Police or the Prestonsburg Police Department directly. Tips can also be submitted confidentially through Floyd County Crime Stoppers or the police department’s hotline. Law enforcement is keen on ensuring that every avenue is explored in the pursuit of justice.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, processing the shock of this violent act. The people of Prestonsburg are holding their breath, hoping that answers will come soon and that they can find some semblance of closure regarding this devastating loss. In the meantime, residents continue to rally around the family of the victim, offering their support and sympathy during this incredibly difficult time.
The tragic death of Jimmy D. Harvey has left an indelible mark on the town of Prestonsburg, and it serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of domestic relationships and the potential for violence even within families. This event has raised awareness about the need for increased support and intervention in situations where there may be unresolved issues between family members. Local organizations are expected to step up to offer resources and counseling to those affected by the incident.
As the case continues, the priority remains to ensure justice is served and to provide answers for the grieving family and community. Investigators are working around the clock to piece together the details of what happened that night, and they will continue to provide updates to the public as new information becomes available. The tragedy has deeply affected the Prestonsburg community, and it will take time for those who knew the family to heal from the shock and sorrow of what occurred.
In the end, the goal remains clear: to bring clarity to the events of June 9, 2025, and to ensure that justice is served in the memory of Jimmy D. Harvey.