The fatal shooting suspect out of Hardin County that led law enforcement on a pursuit that ended in Christian County Monday has died as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As previously reported, Christopher Elder was the suspect in a shooting that happened outside of the Hardin County Justice Center that resulted in the deaths of 37-year-old Erica Riley of Elizabethtown and her mother 71-year-old Janet Rylee of Hardinsburg. Another victim was injured in the shooting and is currently in stable condition. Elder and Erica Riley had reportedly dated at one point in time, and she had an emergency protective order against him.
Elder fled west and was cornered by law enforcement on Greenville Road in Christian County in a church parking lot near Judges Chapel Road. Elder reportedly pointed a rifle at law enforcement while they attempted to negotiate with him for around 90 minutes.
Ultimately, Elder turned the gun on himself and shot himself in the head. He was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he would die of the injury.
That’s according to Elizabethtown Police Department Public Affairs Officer Chris Denham, who calls the events a senseless act of violence, saying the department extends their deepest condolences to the families affected.