Former Police Captain Kevin Berry Kills Mother Margie Berry, Dies by Suicide During I‑75 Traffic Stop

A tragic incident unfolded early Sunday in Berea and Whitley County, Kentucky, when former police captain Kevin Berry, 51, fatally shot his 77-year-old mother, Margie Berry, at her home on Leslie Drive before taking his own life during a traffic stop on Interstate 75, authorities said.

Murder in Berea and Interstate Suicide

Berea police responded shortly after midnight to a report of a shooting at Margie Berry’s home. Officers found her deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Following the attack, Kevin Berry fled in a vehicle, prompting a manhunt across multiple counties.

Whitley County deputies later spotted Berry’s car on I‑75 near the 12.5‑mile marker. During the traffic stop, Berry died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials reported. Both northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate were temporarily closed, causing heavy traffic on U.S. 25, State Highway 26, and nearby exits. Northbound lanes remained closed into the afternoon while southbound traffic reopened. Authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

Berry’s Law Enforcement Career and Legal History

Kevin Berry had a long career in law enforcement, serving with the McKee Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and most recently as a captain with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department until 2020.

After leaving law enforcement, Berry had multiple run-ins with the law:

• 2021: Arrested for DUI after being found passed out behind the wheel, blocking traffic.

• 2021–2023: Arrested for public intoxication, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, and violation of an emergency protective order.

• 2023: Charged with strangulation (1st degree), terroristic threatening (3rd degree), and two counts of domestic violence assault causing minor injury.

Investigation Underway

Investigators said the manhunt for the suspect led to the I‑75 encounter, during which both sides of the interstate were closed while deputies attempted to communicate with Berry. He was later found dead in his vehicle from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Interstate 75 was shut down around the 12.5‑mile marker, causing major traffic disruptions in the area. Northbound lanes remained closed into the early afternoon while the scene transitioned into a death investigation, according to the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, while southbound traffic has since reopened.

Side roads including U.S. 25 and State Highway 26 experienced heavy congestion as drivers sought alternate routes. Exits 11 and 15 were backed up as motorists navigated around the closure. Authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety, and no force was used by police during the incident.